EN  LOVE 


A  ROMANCE  OE 
GREENWICH  VILLAGE 


By 

GUSTAV  BOWHAN 


^ 


'^CCA  PUBLISHING  nr> 


JSe.    York 


Wje  Htbrarp 

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Umber  £ttp  of  jj^ortf)  Carolina 


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THE  LIBRARY  OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF 

NORTH  CAROLINA 

AT  CHAPEL  HILL 


ENDOWED  BY  THE 

DIALECTIC  AND  PHILANTHROPIC 

SOCIETIES 


PS3503 

.A9 

06 

1920 


OEMCO 


lliiiiif 

00008761 44U 


This  book  is  due  at  the  WALTER  R.  DAVIS  LIBRARY  on 
the  last  date  stamped  under  "Date  Due."  If  not  on  hold  it 
may  be  renewed  by  bringing  it  to  the  library. 


DATE 
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DATE 
DUE 


RET. 


Form  No.  513, 
Rev.  1/84 


OL 


OPEN  LOVE 


A  ROMANCE  OF 
GREENWICH  VILLAGE 


By 
GV 'STAY  BOW HAN 


mt 


MECCA  PUBLISHING  CO. 

1  Sheridan  Square 
New  York 


Entered  according   to  Act   of   Congress- 
Copyrighted  by   Gustav   Bauhahn 
1920. 


All  rights  reserved,  including  rights  of  production. 
Application  for   the  rights   of  production   whether   amateasr 
or   professional,   should   be  made   to  the   author- 
Mecca  Publishing  Co.,  1  Sheridan  Square, 
New  York  City,  N.  Y. 


PART    ONE 


To  live,  to  love,  that  is  life,  a  happy  thought, 
but  a  strange  one  to  use  as  a.  constitution  for 
a  settlement-  Under  this  unwritten  law  the 
Bohemians  settled  in  Greenwich  Village,  to  love 
their  art,  their  neighbors  (their  female  neigh- 
bors preferred  by  the  men)  and  themselves. 
Many  strange  secret  organizations  were  formed, 
built  upon  strange  ideals,  but  none  so  strange 
as  that  of  the  Populators  club. 

It  was  an  early  spring  morning,  and  the  sun. 
flowed  into  the  meeting  room  of  the  club,  light- 
ing up  every  nook  and  corner.  The  room  was  one 
mass   of   drawings,  portraits    and  bric-a-brac, 
completely  hiding  the  bare  walls,  furnished  in 
soft  red,  with  a  big  mohagany  table  in  the  cen- 
ter.    Henry  Lowden,  a  middle  aged  artist  who 
X    is  yet  to  b3  recognized,  was  writing.  He  pauses 
/-   and  thinks   for  a  moment,   then  rising,  walks 
p    over  to  the  window,  picks  up  the  calendar  and 
mutters  to  himself,  "The  Day."  Kerl  the  se- 
cretary enters  through  the  big  doors. 


g  OPEN  LOVE 


KERL 
I  expect  this  will  be  a  very  busy  day  Sir. 

LOWDEN 

Yes  Kerl,  but  don't  tidy  up  the  room,  or 
you'll  throw  all  the  others  on  their  nerves. 

KEEL 
Artists  are  peculiar.  Excuse  me  for  express- 
ing my  views.  Beg  pardon. 

LOWDEN 

No  harm.  I'd  rather  you  would  always  ex- 
press your  views.    You  think  them  anyway. 

KERL 
Thank  you  Sir. 

LOWDELN"  (walking  to  the  table  and  sitting)', 

Now  as  to  us  Bohemians^  I  confess  we  are  pe- 
culiar, so  broad  and  open  over  the  big  worldly 
questions,  so  small  and  narrow  over  minor 
things. 

(Harold  BecTcmcm,  fat,  jolly,  well  cm  m 
years  but  still  retaining  his  youth  in  spirit,  en- 
ters and  sits  down  in  the  big  easy  chair  ivith  a 
sigh.) 

LOWDEN 

Ah  my  dear  Brother  Beckman,  ,how  are  you 
this  fine  day! 

(Kerl  takes  some  papers  from  the  desk  and 
leaves  them  alone,  shutting  the  doors  after  him.) 


OPEN  LOVE 


BECKMAN 

Fine  Lowden,  fine.  What  do  you  think! 
I  am  leaving  my  studio. 

LOWDEN 
Why  \    It  was  perfect. 

BECKMAN   {excited) 

Because  I  have  been  insulted  by  the  land- 
lady. It  is  terrible.  You  know  my  master 
piece,  "The  Moon  in  a  Fog."  She  calls  it  >,An 
Egg  in  a  Pan".  I  cannot  live  with  such  igno- 
rance, so  I  go. 

LOWDEN  {rising  and  going  to  him) 

Don't  be  hasty*.  It's  a  fine  place.  She 
doesn't  understand. 

BECKMAN" 

Perhaps  you  are  right.    I'll  think  it  over. 
(he  rises  and  follows  Lowden  to  the  table) 
Oh,  you  have  looked  up  the  application  of 
my  friend  whom  I  proposed  for  the  club. 

'  LOWDEN 

(sitting  and  looking  through  his  papers) 
Let  me  see.    Andres  Pouas,  Italian. 

BECKMAN 
Yes. 


8 


OPEN  IX  VE 


LOWDEX 

I've  investigated  his  past  before  putting  it 
up  to  the  committee. 

BECKMAX 

How  does  he  stand? 

LOWDEX 

It  looks  bad.  To  begin  with,  he  was  re- 
spectably married  once.  That  will  hurt  him 
here. 

BECKMAX 

That  is  bad. 

LOWDEX 

Then  he  has  always  led  such  a  quiet  life, 
devoid  of  any  open  love  affairs. 

BECKMAX  (shaking  his  head) 
A  poor  Italian. 

LOWDEX 

And  a  poor  candidate  for  our  club.  However 
T  will  present  his  name  to  the  committee 
even  with  his  great  faults  of  respectability-  But 
today  we  have  big  work  to  do. 

BECKMAX 

I  should  say  so.  Why  we  may  make  history, 


OPEN  LOVE  9 


LOWDEX 

Control  your  emotions.  We  may  fail,  much 
is  against  us. 

With  a  sweep  Mary  Jane  enters.  She  is  a> 
typical  Village  type,  bleached  short  bobbed  hair, 
flashing  eyes,  ivith  a  fierce  determination 
in  every  move. 

MARY  JAXE 

Hello  members,  is  everything  set! 

LOWDEX    (rising   and   bowing) 
Couldn't  be  better. 

Enter  Marie  Grail  the  Old  Maid  of  the  Club, 
tall,  lean,  pert,  a  typical  type. 

MARIE 

Every  time  I  come  into  this  room,  I  feel 
my  Bohemian  blocd  rush  to  my  head. 

MARY  JAXE 
That's  water  on  the  brain. 

BECKMAX 
It  is  a  romantic  room,  unlike  any  other. 

MARY  JAXE 
Of  course.  And  why  \  Because  we  down  here 
in  the  village  have  sense-  Most  people  paint  or 
paper  their  walls,  (snaps  her  fingers)  Rubbish. 
Do  you  paint  clothes  on  your  naked  body? 
{answering  herself)  Of  course  not-  You  dress  it. 
Then  why  paint  naked  walls  \ 


10  OPEN  LOVE 


BECKMAN  (applauding) 
Bravo,  Bravo.  Excellent. 

MARIE 

Eine  feathers  make  fine  birds. 

LOWDEN 

Nonsense.  You  evidently  never  saw  royal- 
ty dressed  up. 

MARY  JANE 
But  the  room  pleases,  and  so  it  shall  stand. 

BECKMAN 

You  are  right.  These  pictures  will  never 
grow  old  or  become  out  of  date. 

Anna  May,  ai  big  heavy  set  woman  tvho  is 
president  of  the  club  enters  after  having  heard 
the  last  of  the  conversation. 

ANNA 

Nor  will  an  artist  ever  become  different. 

MARIE 
I'm  not  an  artist  myself,  but  according  to 
most  pictures  I  have  seen,  artists  can't  change 
what  they  don't  wear,  unless  they  change  leaves 
to  keep  in  season. 

BECKMAN 
Such  lack  of  inspiration  I  have  never  seen. 

LOWDEN 
Remember    clothing    is    only    a  matter  of 
whether  or  not  the  public  accepts  it. 


OPEN  LOVE  11 


ANNA 

Yes.  A  musical  comedy  manager  told  me 
that  his  women  patrons  were  ruining  his  shows. 

MARIE 
How's  that  ? 

ANNA 
Why,  they  keep  showing  less  than  you  can  see 
on  the  stage-The  other  night  he  said  the  audience 
wore  less  than  the  chorus,  and  he  had  to  take  a 
little  more  off  the  girls  to  keep  their  eyes  on  the 
show. 

MARY  JAXE  i 

The  more  he  takes  off  the  more  the  patrons 
do.    They  can't  keep  that  up  much  longer. 

BECKMAST 

I  would  like  to  be  there  the  night  they  both 
catch  up  to  each  other.  Then  I  will  say,  „Oh, 
this  is  heaven."  (They  all  laugh). 

ANNA 

The  uplift  societies  are  fighting  this  show- 
ing of  limbs. 

LOWDEN 

Let  them  fight.  As  they  say  in  slang,  they 
haven't  a  leg  to  stand  on. 

MARY  JANE 
That's  just  why  they  want  us  to  hide  ours. 


12 


OPEN  LOVE 


A3STKA 

We  will  show  them  today  at  the  meeting. 
Lowden,  you  and  Sweet  must  stay  behind.  I'm 
sorry  but  some-one  must  wait  here. 

LOWDEX 

As  you  say,  so  we  obey. 

BECKMAK 

A  toast  let  us  drink.  Eirst  to  the  success 
of  the  club.  (They  drink)  And  now  to  the  girls 
we  love-  May  their  husbands  never  suspect  them. 


OPEN  LOVE  13 


PAET    TWO 

Lowden  with  his  friend  Ralph  Sweet,  the 
sculptor,  had  been  ordered  to  wait  while  the 
club  worked.  Both  wanted  to  be  out  doing  their 
share,  but  an  order  to  a  Populator  must  be 
obeyed,  without  thought  of  emotions.  Two 
hours  later  we  find  them  still  waiting  for  news. 

RALPH  SWEET  (After  a  pause) 
I've  never  been  so  on  my  edge  as  today. 

LOWDEX  (Looking  up  at  him) 

We  have  never  been  through  such  a  crisis. 
All  this  work,  preparation,  it's  all  brought  to 
a  point. 

SWEET  (Coming  down  to  the  table) 

Yes,  I  know,  I've  prayed  for  the  day,  when 
we  could  get  a  chance  to  tell  the  world,  to  in- 
fluence it,  and  now  that  it  is  here, 

LOWDEK"  (Finishes  his  sentence) 
It  is  not  the  same  thrill, 

RALPH  SWEET 
No.  I  wonder  why? 


/ 

14  OPEN  LOVE 


LOWDEX 

Because  we  are  doing  something  that  is 
not  sincere,  not  natural.  We  are  being  driven. 

SWEET 

That  is  not  true.     I  know  my  ideals. 

LOWDEN  (Rising) 
There,  there,  my  dear     Ralph,  you  must 
control  yourself.    Still  I  insist  that  we  are  be- 
ing driven. 

SWEET 
Driven  in  what  way! 

LOWDEX 

Why  in  every  way. 

SWEET 

All  the  members  of  our  club  have  come  in 
of  their  own  accord.  They  have  broken  ties 
with  the  outside  world  and  join  us  without  force 
or  coaxing.  You  know  that  one  of  our  strictest 
rule  is  that  every  member  must  aisk  to  join 
of  his  own  free  will,  and  no  one  must  persuade 
him. 

LOWDEISr 

That  is  true,  I  admit,  but  tell  me,  Ralph,  of 

one   single  member  who  has  joined   our   club, 

who  has  not  done  so  because  of  some  crisis  he 

has  had  before  he  joined  us.     A  man  is  given 


OPEN  LOVE  15 


a  bad  decision  by  society,  lie  in  the  heat  of  his 
wrong,  takes  arms  against  everybody,  and  joins 
our  club.  Take  yourself  for  instance.  Is  it  not 
true? 

SWEET 
But  they  are  not  driven- 

LOWDEK" 

They  are.  It  is  revenge  that  drives  them 
to  us,  and  pride  that  keeps  them.  After  they 
have  cooled  down,  they  lose  their  hate  but  do 
not  like  to  admit  to  themselves  that  they  would 
be  glad  to  re-enter  society;  after  all  their  case 
was  but  one  single  personal  affair.  By  con- 
stant speech  they  are  driven  to  believe  in  the 
club. 

SWEET   (Sitting) 

Still  it's  a  wonderful  organization.  Don't 
you  think  so  ? 

LOWDEN"  (Sitting  again) 
In  what  way? 

SWEET 

In  its  ideals,  hopes,  for  a  handful  of  us  to 
stand  up  and  defy  the  whole  world,  with  new 
thoughts^  it's  plucky- 

LOWDEN 
Tell  me,  Ralph,  you  were  one  of  the  original 
members*  how  did  it  begin? 


16 


OPEN  LOVE 


SWEET 

At  first  we  artists  had  a  fine  settlement" 
where  we  could  work,  love  and  play,  but  soom 
Ave  received  so  much  publicity  that  the  village- 
became  overrun  with  thrill  seekers.  Slowly  the- 
real  artists  gave  way  to  fakers,  so  as  a  last: 
stand  we  organized  this  club  of  ideals.  Of  late- 
it  has  changed  a  bit  because  of  new  members; 
who,  as  you  say,  join  because  of  a  hate  for  so- 
ciety. 

LOWDE^T 

(JRising,  going  to  door  and  ringing  bell) 
A  funny  thing  is  life,  and  what  can  come* 
of  it.  Yes,  I  joined  because  I  too,  wanted  to 
get  away  from  it  all,  but  man's  instincts  are- 
the  same  all  over;  outside,  in  here,  everywhere. 
(The  secretary  enters)  Is  there  any  news  yet?: 

KERL 
Ko  sir.     Mr.  Hazelton  called  up  and  said 
that  Mr.  Wilke  would  speak  at  two,  and  Miss- 
Sweet  immediatelv  after  him.     It  is  now  tern 
minutes  after  three.  It's  a  noble  enterprise,  sir_ 

LOWDEX 

You  think  so? 

KERL 

Oh  yes,  sir,  not  because  I'm  your  secretary^, 
and  want  to  agree,  but  on  general  principles- 
Man's  law  and  his  infernal  family  ties,  —  Bosh_ 


OPEN  LOVE  17 


SWEET 

Family  ties?  What  are  they?  I  snap  my 
fingers  at  them. 

LOWDEtf 

My  dear  Ralph,  Don't  turn  your  heart  to 
stone.  One's  own  flesh  and  blood  are  always 
ones  own. 

SWEET 

A  cat's  kittens,  a  clog's  pupts,  a  swine's 
sucklings  are  her  own  flesh  and  blood.  Yet  there 
isn't  that  infernal  sentiment  between  them.  I 
have  no  family  ties.  My  life  is  one  thing,  one 
unit-  I  have  a  daughter.  She  hasi  her  own  soul 
in  a  body  furnished  by  man.  If  she  was  hurt, 
I  would  feel  sorry,  but  outside  cf  that,  we  have 
nothing  in  common. 

KERL 
Bravo,     Bravo,     you  are  a  true  member. 
(stops)  Excuse  me  for  forgetting  myself. 

LOWDEH 

I  try  to  be  in  sympathy  with  you,  and  your 
ideals,  try  to  live  up  to  the  club,  try  to  see 
this  for  the  good,  but  I  can't. 

SWEET 

Slowly  and  slowly  me  are  spreading  our 
light. 


18  OPEN  LOVE 


LOWDEN  (Shaking  his  head) 
I'm  afraid,  just  afraid. 

SWEET   (Rising) 

Afraid,  afraid  of  what?  Now  we  say  a 
couple  has  a  boy.  He  is  raised  by  the  govern- 
ment, and  all  track  of  his  parents  are  lost-  He 
is  made  a  soldier  and  goes  to  war.  There  is 
no  wailing  of  a  mother*  no  dramatic  speeches 
by  the  father  and  all  that  rot.  He  goes.  It's  new 
to  him,  an  adventure.  If  he  should  be  killed, 
well  his  body  rots  wlhile  his  soul  flies  on  till'  it 
enters  another  life  here,  or  strays  into  a  higher 
plane. 

LOWDEN 

But  you  can  not  get  parents,  especially 
mothers,  to  part  with  their  off -spring. 

SWEET 

Of  course  not.  Many  couples  are  married 
and  work  side  by  side  as  one  set.  Men  as  a 
whole  look  upon  little  children  as  a  nuisance, 
but  the  mother  instict  demands  fulfillment.  Now 
if  they  knew  that  their  child  could  and  would 
be  taken  up  by  the  government,  nothing  would 
block  them.  All  this  birth  control  would  cease, 
.and  all  parties  would  be  happy. 

LOWDEN 
It's  a  grand  mix  up,  a  jumble  to  me. 


OPEN  LOVE  1$ 


SWEET  _ 

Then  love,  it  must  be  unshackled,  open,  free 
as  the  wind,  for  life  is  love,  and  love  is  life.  To- 
day that  large  hall  is  crowded  with  press  men 
from  all  over  our  country ;  if  J:hey  are  im- 
pressed, it  will  be  read  by  millions,  and  then  we 
can  work. 

KERL  (Going  to  the  door) 

I  will  announce  their  arrival  as  soon  as  they 
come.  (Exit) 

LOWDEX 
I  hope  your  daughter  doesn't  get  too  tech- 
nical in  her  speech. 

SWEET 
My  daughter?  You  are  personal. 

LOWDEX 

Pardon  me.  I  speak  of  her  as  one  unit,  with 
no  ties. 

SWEET 

Quite  right. 

LOWDEX  (Looking  at  his  ivatch) 
Time  we  were  hearing  something. 

SWEET 

If  only  they  have  made  the  spech  of  their 
lives. 


20  OPEN  LOVE 


LOWDEN 

The  committee  is  to  come  right  here  as  soon 
as  it  is  over. 

SWEET  (Going  to  window) 

How  much  longer  must  we  wait? 

LOWDEN 

They  should  be  here  any  moment,  unless 
Mr.  Wilke  and  your  daughter  spoke  longer  than 
planned. 

SWEET 

Perhaps  Mr.  Wilke  did. 

Marie  the  Old  Maid  enters. 

MAEIE 

I  am  so  excited.  Oh,  I'm  glad  I  found 
you  two  gentlemen  here.  Isn't  it  wonderful  that 
we  may  impress  upon  this  nation  that  every 
woman  must  do  her  share  to  popluate. 

SWEET 
Yes. 

MAEIE 
It  makes  me  blush,  really.  Of  course  I'm 
not  in  my  teens,  but  a  young  woman  like  me,  is 
so  sensitive. 

LOWDEJST 
Yes?  I  didn't  know. 


OPEN  LOVE  21 


MARIE 

Of  course.  I've  turned  down  so  many 
men,  simply  because  I  thought  they  were  not  fit. 
Now  there  was  Jim.  He  was  so  smart,  but 
could  never  produce  a  perfect  offspring.  Then 
there  was  Philip.  He  was  a  regular  Hercules, 
but  he  was  so  ignorant.  And  John  was  half  and 
half. 

LOWDEX 

Perhaps  in  the  search  for  perfection  you 
have  lost  everything.  Strength  can  be  developed 
education  drummed  into  a  head.  So  in 
mv  mind,  anvone  of  your  three  suitors  were 
fit.  But  to  be  frank  as  we  always  are  in 
this  club.  I  don't  know  whether  you  are  fit  ? 

MARIE 
My  dear  Mr.  Lowden,  I'm  shocked. 

LOWDEX 
Imposible.  As  a  member  of  the  Populators, 
vou  can  not  be  shocked.  You  are  a  unit.  One 
is  shocked  when  one  is  told  something  one 
alreadv  knows.  If  the  shocked  one  did  not  know 
it,  he  would  not  be  shocked.  A  man  will  swear 
like  a  trooper  before  his  wife  at  home,  but  let 
some  other  man  utter  a  little  phrase  before  his 
wife,  she  is  shocked,  and  he  wants  to  fight. 
Hvpocrisv.  You  said  vou  were  shocked,  because 
von  thought  it  was  the  right  thing  to  say. 


22  "       OPEN  LOVE 


MARIE 

You  have  taken  words  and  turned  them  on 
me.  I  believe  in  population  by  the  masses.  One 
child  to  a  family.    The  rest  belong  to  the  state. 

LOWDEN 

Unless  they  are  girls. 

SWEET 

It  seems  cold  to  say,  I  know,  but  in  masses 
the  individual  is  lost. 

LOWDEN 

I  can't  see  it  that  way.  I  must  be  old 
fashioned  or  something. 

MARIE 
You  are.    That 's  why  you  don't  understand. 

KERL 
Kerl  enters  through  the  big  doors. 

They  have  ccnie.  The  meeting  is  over.  God, 
but  they  are  excited. 

All  of  the  committee  file  in  and  solemnly 
take  their  places  around  the  table.  Anna  as  pre- 
sident is  at  the  head- 

SWEET 
WTell ? 

DERRICK  (A  committee  member  ) 
,        Is  all  the  committee  present? 


OPEN  LOVE  23 


AKNA 
Yes. 

LOWDEK 

Well,  what  is  the  news  ? 

AXXA 

As  president  of  the  Populators,  I  demand 
your  attention. 

lowde;nt 

Tell  lis  the  news.  We're  anxious.  Why  all 
this  red  tape? 

ANNA 

A  Populator  forgets  his  own  emotions.  Con- 
trol yourself  Unit. 

(Loivden  sits.  Anna  takes  the  papers  out 
of  her  desk.    Then  she  rises). 

I  will  read  the  charter  before  we  commence. 

SWEET 
First  tell  me,  was  my  daughter  successful? 

AXXA 

A  body  to  which  you  helped  give  birth,  in 
which  God  placed  a  soul,  spoke.  That  is  all.  I 
was  saying  before  I  was  interrupted,  that  I 
would  read  the  charter.  (She  reads) 

We,  the  members  of  the  Populators, 
believe  that  for  centuries  family  ties  and  fool- 
ish  sympathy  have  been  a  chain  upon  man- 
The  responsibility  and  care  of  offspring  has  li- 


24 


OPEN  LOVE 


limited  their  numbers.  That  some  women  are 
good,  many  bad.  That  we  may  spread  our 
teachings  over  the  land,  take  the  young  away 
after  their  nursings  like  we  do  with  animals, 
place  taem  in  the  world,  and  thus  save  them  the 
sorrow  when  they  must  eventually  be  left  alone. 
(She  sits.) 

LOWDEN 

J^Tow? 

How  was  it! 


SWEET 


Success  1 


No. 


LQWDEN 


BEClOIxiN 


LOWDEN 


Not  a  success  \ 

A^  NA 
Mr.  Wilke  spoke  first.  He  was  impressive  and 
spoke  to  the  point.  He  started  well,  but  always 
came  right  to  the  point  without  any  explana- 
tion. He  could  be  heard.  His  speech  abounded 
with  punch  darts,  but  after  he  had  finished  our 
main  points,  the  audience  knew,  but  not  what 
led  up  to  them,  or  why,  so  that  they  seemed 
ridiculous. 

SWEET 

And  my  daughter? 


OPEN  LOVE  95 


AXXA 
Mary  Sweet  spoke  long-,  became  tiresome. 
I  tried  to  make  her  finish,  but  to  no  avail.  She 
went  into  detail,  explained  every  little  twist,  till 
at  last  she  was  off  the  subject  and  forgot  her 
punches.  So  the  audience  while  they  listened, 
did  not  understand  what  she  was  driving  at. 
We  must  start  anew.  (She  sits) 

LOWDEN 

That  is  too  bad.  Perhaps  the  newspapers 
will  be  kind. 

BECKMAN  (Shaking  his  head) 
Xo.  Thev  had  to  be  entirely  convinced.  They 
came,  against  us,  looking  on  us  as  fakers,  as  if 
-we  were  a  fad.     To  convince  them  there  can  be 
no  half  way- 

SWEET 
Too  bad,  but  of  course,  my  daughter  is  a 
unit  by  herself.     I  have  nothing  at  all  to  do 
with  her. 

MARIE 
If  only  I  could  have  said  a  few  things.  I 
know  I  would  have  held  them  spellbound  with 
my  knowledge  of  life- 

AXXA 
Sit  down-  If  we  could  have  had  a  roan  or 
woman  who  could  detail  like  Mary,  and  put  the 


26  OPEN  LOVE 


punches  in  it  like  Mr.  Wilke,  our  cause  would 
have  been  won. 

SWEET 

Couldn't    we    hire    some  orator    with  that 
talent  ? 

AJSTNA 

Impossible,  to  begin  with.  He  must  be  in 
accord  with  our  plans,  believe  in  them  with 
heart  and  soul,  or  his  talk  will  be  false,  no  mat- 
ter how  great  he  is.  Anyway  a  famous  speaker 
would  not  join  a  futurist  enterprise  like  ours 
for  fear  he  would  ruin  his  reputation. 

BECKMAN 
Selfish,  small  minded  masses. 

MARIE 

If  I  had  a  child,  such  would  he  be,  a  genius 
a  marvel. 

ANXA 

Sit  down.  (She  rises)  Members  of  the  Com- 
mittee, we  must  do  something  or  all  our  work 
is  lost-  We  have  the  money,  we  have  every 
thing,  except  a  representative  to  express  our 
views. 

BECKMAST 
Perhaps  we  could  hire   some  well  known 
actor.  We  could  write  the  speeches- 


OPEN  LOVE 


27 


ANNA 

That  is  what  we  discussed  before.  No,  it 
must  come  from  the  heart  of  the  man  who 
speaks.  This  is  not  developed  by  reading  set 
lines. 

LOWDEN 

It  is  a  problem.  I  wonder  if  we  couldn't 
take  some  ignorant  man  and  educate  him  up  to 
our  ideals. 

BECKMAN 

If  a  man  is  ignorant,  it  is  because  he  is  de- 
stined to  be  so.  A  man  can  be  poor,  but  learning 
is  anybody's,     who  really  strives  for  it. 

ANNA 

I  think  if  we  could  train  a  child  from 
youth  up,  teaching  only  our  ideals,  our  thoughts, 
then. . . . 

EALPH  SWEET 

But  how  would  we  know  if  he  had  talent. 
We  might  waste  years  on  a  mistake. 

DERRICK 

Sweet  is  right.  Those  things  don't  show 
until  a  child  is  matured. 

LOWDEN 

It  is  a  problem.  One  that  seems  hopeless 
to  me;  to  raise  a  child  takes  years,  then  the 


28 


OPEN  LOVE 


chances  are  he  will  have  some  failing.  Personal 
appearance,  health,  etc. 

RALPH   SWEET 
That  is  true. 

MARIE 

If  you  could  take  the  good  points  of  Mary 
Sweet  and  these  of  Mr.  Wilke,  put  them 
together,  that  would  solve  the  problem. 

BECK  MAX 
You  are  a  unit  with  the  wisdom  of  an  atom., 

ANNA 

Wait,  she  is  right.  It's  a  chance  {They  all 
ask  how) 

LOWDEN 

What  do  you  mean? 

ANNA 

Now  Mary  Sweet  is  a  genius,  she  lacks  only 
the  physical  force  to  impress.  Now,  Mr.  Wilke 
has  the  physical  power  to  impress  but  lacks  the 
power  of  going  into  detail.  If  they  were  brought 
together  and  had  an  offspring,  would  he  not 
have  the  best  qualities  of  each? 

MARIE 

Suppose  he  had  the  two  bad  faults  in  him  ? 

ANNA 

Silence,  that  can  be  fixed.     Each  has  only 


OPEN  LOVE  Of) 


to  bear  what  we  want  in  mind.  It's  a  chance. 
We  are  all  young  enough  and  could  see  the 
experiment  through  all  its  great  stages.  For 
twenty  years  we  could  work,  then  the  master 
Populator  could  conquer. 

RALPH   SWEET 
I  object  to  my  daughter  doing  this,  espe- 
cially without  marriage. 

ANXA 

She  is  a  unit.  Conventions  are  man's.  What 
are  you  doing  here  if  you  have  smb.  ideas? 

BECKMAX 
But  would  they  consent? 

ANNA 
We  could  give  them  each  $5000,  make  them 
waive  claim  to  their  child- 

MARIE 

Why  not  make  it  $10,000  each  and  let  them 
give  us  two  genius,  so  if  one  is  looney,  the 
other  might  be  all  right. 

AXXA 
There's  sense  in  that :  two  chances  would  be 
better  than  one.  I  now  propose  it :  those  in  favor 
say      'aye",     (They  all  answer     ''aye"  except 
Lowden  and  Sweet.) 

AMA 
The  ayes  have  it. 


30  OPEN  LOVE 


mals,  if  we  did  then  we  would  not  be  ruling  the 


Family  ties.  We  can't  treat  ours  like  ani- 
s,  i 
world. 

RALPH  SWEET   (rising) 

You  wonU  do  it  ,ycu  can't  I  won't  let  you 
•do  it  to  my  daughter.  I'll  stop  her. 

DERRICK 
You  can't.  She  is  her  own  master,  she  is  a 
unit,  you  are  one.  Neither  mean  anything  to 
^ach  other. 

EALPH  SWEET 
(sits  down  resting  his  head  on  his  hand) 

ANNA 

They  were  coming  here  after  meeting 
•some  of  the  delegates.  They  should  be  here  any 
minute. 

BEOKMAN 
Then  its  settled ;  two  children  for  $20,000. 

MARIE 
I  would  do  it  cheaper  than  that. 

ANNA 

Raise  your  hand  when  you  wish  to  speak. 
Another  thing,  we  must  not  let  the  people  alone, 
why  they  are  getting  so  they  get  married,  and 
wrork  together  not  like  husband  and  wife,  but 
like  friend  with  friend. 


OPEN  LOVE  31 


LOWDEX 
Yes  a  woman  who  stays  home  and  cooks  as- 
they  used  to,  is  looked  upon  as  a  woman  with- 
out a  job.  (Bell  rings-) 

That  must  be  them.  I  declare  the  meeting; 
over. 

(Mr.  WilJce,  a  fine  young  chap  enters  with 
Mary  Siveet,  Mary  a  young  woman  who  has  been 
brought  up  by  her  father  in  these  surroundings* 
Kerl  takes  the  hats  and  coats  and  exits-) 

AXXA 

Welcome  to  the  meeting. 

WILKE 

Greetings.  It  was  as  we  thought  the  first 
editions  simply  laughed  at  us. 

MARY 
And  they  do  it  on  the  last  page,  that's  why 
it's  so  mean 

WILKE 
I've   found    out   to-dav   its    better    to    be 
ridiculed  big  than  to  be  so  small  a  joke,  its  not. 
considered  important  enough  to  bother  with. 

AXXA 

Sit  down.  (They  both  sit,  one  on  each  side 
of  her,  the  rest  look  on)  Xow,I've  a  proposition 
to  make  you  two. 


32  OPEN  LOVE 


MARY 

To  me  ? 

AOTA 
Yes.       I  need  not  tell  vou  that  both  your 
speeches  lacked  somehing.  Now  we  have  decided 
that  to  have  a  real  representative  he  must  be 
brought  up  slowly  from  birth. 

WILKE 
Go  on. 

AXXA 

We  must  be  represented  by  a  speaker  who 
can  thrill  and  bring  home  our  truths.  We  are 
all  willing  to  sacrifice  money,  even  the  most 
precious  thing,  we  can  offer  our  time. 

MARY 

Well,  what  are  you  going  to  do  ? 

AXXA 

That  is  the  thing.  We  have  thought  of  many 
ways  but  have  onlv  found  one  way  by  which  we 

*  *  WW 

really  have  a  chance  for  success.  But  we  must 
rely  on  both  of  you  to  help  us. 

WILKE 

I'll  do  anything  for  our  cause,  vou  know 
that. 

MAEY 
And  you  know  that  you  can  count  on  me. 


OPEN  LOVE 


33 


AXNA 

Good,  that  is  what  I  wanted  to  hear.  We 
have  come  to  a  decision  that  to  get  a  represent- 
ative such  as  we  want,  he  must  come  from  talent 
ed  parents,  tuen  we  will  know  we  have  some 
material  to  work  on. 

DERRICK 
Like  a  race  horse. 

A~KNA 

To  come  to  the  point,  we  want  two  children 
who  we  will  raise  and  educate  under  our  doc- 
trine, and  who  will  be  our  guiding  star.  We  will 
pay  $20,000  —  $10,000  to  each  of  the  partners. 
We  consider  you,  Mary  Sweet  and  Mr.  Wilke  sat- 
isfactory for  the  experiment.  What  do  you  say  ? 

RALPH  SWEET 
Don't  do  it,  Mary,  don't  do  it. 

MARY 
Please    sir,  rememb3r,  you  are  captain  of 
your  soul,  T  of  mine. 

LOWDEX  (going  to  window) 
Units,  units. 

WILKE 

It's  an  easy  $20,000. 

MARIE 
I  should  say  so. 


34  OPEN  LOVE 


MAEY 
It  would  be  doing  my  tshare,  still  somehow 
I  jus!t  hesitate. 

ANXA 
There  is  nothing  much  to  think  about  unless 
the  price  is  not  satisfactory. 

MAEY 

JSTo,  no,  it's  not  the  money. 

AN1\TA 

There's  nothing  wrong  in  it,  you  know  that. 

MAEY   (slowly) 
Yes,  I  know  that. 

AMA 
Then  there's  nothing  else. 

MAEY 

I  know,   president,   but   I  must   give   it   a 
thought. 

WILKE 
Could  we  just  talk  it  over  by  ourselves?  we 
won't  be  long. 

AXNA 
Very  well,  I  don't  see  what  there  is  to  talk 
over.    However  we'll  be  downstairs,  ring  when 
you  are  done  and  hurry.  (They  all  file  out) 


OPEN  LOVE  35 


RALPH  SWEET 

Mary  don't.  Do  you  know  what  you  are 
doing? 

MARY 

Why  yes,  its  what  you  yourself  have  preach- 
ed. 

RALPH  SWEET 
I  know,  I  know  but 

ANNA  (looking  back) 
Mr.  Sweet,  come  on. 

MARIE  (turns  in  the  door) 

I  wouldn't  mind  hearing  tliis  private  con- 
versation' but  then  you  might  think  I  was  nosy. 
(She  exits) 

(After  they  are  all  gone) 

WILKE  (turns  to  Mary) 
Strange  world.    My  eyes  are  just  opening. 

MARY 

I've  always  preached  free  love  and  now  that 
I  have  this  chance,  I'm  afraid. 

WILKE 
There's  nothing  I  can  say,  Mary.  We  bad 
ideals,  now  in  a  minute  taey  are  shattered.  I 
don't  know  why.  I  only  joined  this  club  because 


36 


OPEN  LOVE 


it  was  different,  but  now,  I  see  it  is  wrong.  I  was 


wrong. 


MABY 

I  know,  to  me  manjs,  marriage  was  such  a 
farce,  a  license  by  some  redfaced  politician,  a 
minute  of  foolish  reading,  then  you  are  man  and 
wife.  It  seemed  ridiculous.,  but  now  it  seems 
real  to  me.  It  makes  all  this  sacred.  Perhaps 
it  is  because  I  am  being  paid  Oh  Herbert  I 
can't  do  it.  Why  I  would  be  no  better  than  the 
lowest. 

WILKE 

Now  that  I  too  stand  face  to  face  with  the 
facts,  I  weaken.  Let  us  tear  the  shame  of  this 
club  from  our  eyes.  He  holds  her  by  the  shoul- 
ders looking  at  her  squarely  Mary  we  will  get 
them  children.  We  will  take  their  money. 

MARY  (draiving  away) 

You're  a  man,  the  same  eternal  man,  and 
I  thought  you  so  different. 

WILKE 

No,  No  Mary,  I  love  you.  I  knew  I  did  when 
you  madte  your  speech.  When  I  heard  your 
voice  drop  with  fatigue  I  felt  like  carrying  you 
away,  anywhere,  but  away.  Will  you  marry  me  % 


OPEN  LOVE  37 


MARY 

Do  vou  reallv  love  me,  —  Herbert?  It 
isn't  the  money,  and  the  excitement? 

WILKE 

Xo,  no,  really  Mary.  I'll  be  so  happy.  Why 
ve  can  settle  down  somewhere  in  the  country, 
IVe  always  loved  it  so. 

MAEY 
It  would  be  supreme,  but  the  truth  is,  Her- 
bert, I  want  to  be  happy,  to  throw  the  hypocrisy 
of  this  club  off-  You  wouldn't  after  our  mar- 
riage go  back  to  its  ideals? 

WILKE 

Xo,  I  promise.  We  will  give  them  the  chil- 
dren, who  we  know  they  will  treat  well,  and 
give  a  fine  education, 

MAKY 
To  spread  a  doctrine  we  ourselves  despise. 

WILKE 

The  club  will  never  last  and  we'll  soon  have 
them  back  with  us.  Just  forget  all  else  only 
think  of  the  happiness  for  us.  We  would  have 
to  slave  for  years  to  get  so  much  money,  and 
suffering  does  help  to  kill  love,  and  I  want  mine 
to  live.  Come  tell  me  that  you  will  many  me. 


38  OPEN  LOVE 


MARY 

Do  you  know  it  will  be  breaking  one  of  the 
club's  strictest  rules  ?  Perhaps  they  will  refuse 
to  let  us  go  through  with  it. 

WILKE 

Don't  worry  about  that,  just  say  you  will 
become  my  wife. 

MARY 

Your  wife.  You  know  my  head  is  going 
around.  I've  always  laughed  at  'that  word,  but 
my  head  just  swims  when  I  say  it.  I  see  the 
clear  sky  and  the  air  is  light.  And  everything 
within  me  says,  I  love  you.  {He  draws  her  to 
him  and  kisses  her,  then  goes  to  the  door,  rings 
the^  bell.) 

WILKE 

We  will  call  them  back,  get  married  to-day 
and  leave  town  to-night. 

MARY 
Every  part  of  me  goes  out  to  you. 

WILKE 

And  I  to  you,  its  too  wonderful.  I  forget 
everything  else  except  that  happiness  is  ours. 

{Ralph  Sweet  comes  in  and  looks  appealing- 
ly  at  Mary,  Wilke  winks  at  Mary  to  teach  him 
a  lesson). 


OPEN  LOVE  39 


RALPH  SWEET 

Mary,  I  must  speak  to  you.    As  a  father  I 
demand  that  vou  listen. 

MARY 

I  have  no  ties,  according  to  your  own  ideas. 
But  what  do  vou  want? 

RALPH  SWEET  (turning  to  Wilke) 

Wilke  as  man  to  man  I  beg  of  you  not  to 
do  this  terrible  thing. 

WILKE  (winking  at  Mary) 
Whait  thing.  There  is  nothing  wrong. 

RALPH  SWEET 

There     is.      How     dare     you     insult    my 
daughter  with  such  a  proposition. 

MARY 

He  didn't  insult  me.     The  committee  of 
which  you  are  a  member  made  the  proposition. 

WILKE   (assuming  a  false  air-) 
And  a  fair  one  I  must  confess. 

RALPH  SWEET   (pleading) 

Please  sir  I  beg  of  you,  for  she's  a  good 
girl.  ! 


40  OPEN  LOVE 


WILKE 

Of  course  she  is,  and  always  will  be,  simply 
because  ishe  wishes  to  follow  her  love  instincts 
means  nothing. 

MARY 

Besides,  the  Constitution  of  the  club  says- 
its  all  right- 

WILKE 

With  you  sir,  the  first  signer. 

RALPH  SWEET,   (angry) 
I  will  have  the  law  on  you. 

MARY 
I  am  of  age,  besides  I  will  say  it  is  not  true. 
You  can't  kill  ideals  bv  force. 

WILKE 
"Take  love  where  you  find  it,"  is  your  own 
motto.  Simply  because  I  fonind  it  in  your 
daughter,  you  protest.  I  think  it  is  a  compli- 
ment that  I  help  this  club  with  my  physical  as 
well  as  my  moral  strength. 

RALPH  SWEET 
Can't  I  change  this  1 

MARY 
Impossible,  father.  You  see  its  the  way  of 
a  Populator  (bowing)  of  which  my  father  is  an 
honored  committee  man. 


OPEN  LOVE 


41 


WILKE,   (sarcastic) 
What  an  honor. 

EALPH  SWEET 
But  no  one  will  marry  you  after  this  affair. 

MARY 

What  of  it.  We  don't  believe  in  marriage. 
How  bored  married  couples  will  be  after  reading 
about  us,  and  our  cause- 

WILKE 
Then  don't  forget  sir,   unmarried  lovers 
•are  always  much  happier  because  its  a  constant 
honeymoon,   always  the  thought  to  please  to 
keep  the  other  from  going. 

MARY  (teasing) 

Herbert  won't  stay  out  nights,  for  fear  he 
-may  not  find  me  home. 

WILKE 
And  Mary  will  always  be  attractive  for  fear 
of  killing  my  illusions. 

RALPH  SWEET 
Can't  I  show  you  the  light? 

MARY 

You  have,  if  married  folks  would  only  for- 
get that  they  were  married.     What  a  life. 


42  OPEN  LOVE 


RALPH  SWEET  (giving  up) 
You  treat  her  right. 

WILKE 
Of  course,  I  will.     Remember  I  want  to 
keep  her.   (Alt  the  members  file  in  and  take 
their  places  around  'the  table.) 

A^NA  (after  a  pause) 
Well,  have  you  made  up  your  minds? 

MARY 
Yes. 

WILKE 
We  accept  your  proposition. 

ANffA 
Ah.  Good.  I  knew  you  would  see  through 
that  old  fashioned  cheap  sentiment- 

RALPH  SWEET 
Mary,  no  you  can't  do  it. 

MARY 

Why  not?  Are  you  one  that  would  expect 
others  to  do  what  you  would  not  allow  your 
self  or  yours  to  do  ? 

RALPH  SWEET 
I  know,  I  know  all  these  ideals  are  high  till 
they  hit  your  own-  I  admit  I  am  wrong,  please- 
don't  do  it. 


OPEN  LOVE  43 


WILKE 

We  are  going  through  with  it. 

LOWDEN 

My  dear  Sweet,  remember  what  you  said 
to  me  less  than  a  half  hour  ago  in  this  very 
room.    It  ought  to  comfort  you. 

ANNA 

Sweet,  you  are  a  disgrace  to  yourself.  Such 
an  exhibition  only  the  weak  minded  give. 

RALPH  SWEET 
Call  me  anything,  only  don't  degrade  her. 

MAEY 

There  is  no  use  at  all,  so  please  be  quiet. 
{He  goes  in  a  corner  and  sits) 

WILKE 
We  want  the  money  first.  Cash. 

ANNA 
I  can  only  give  you  part  in  cash,   the  rest 
in  check.  Is  that  all  right? 

WILKE 
Providing  you  write  a  note  with  the  check, 
promising,  not  to  stop  it. 

ANNA 
That's  a  rather  odd  request. 


44  OPEN  LOVE 


MARY 
Tlie  whole  thing  is  a  rather  odd  request. 

ANXA   (writing) 

Very  well.  Here's  the  check  $8,000  to  eaxsbb. 
(takes  money)  we  knew  you  would  come 
to  our  way,  so  I  took  this  from  the  safe.  Yon 
see  we  had  faith  in  your  brains.  Here's  the 
money.    (Both  take  their  money  and  checks.) 

WILKE 

Now,  the  note  please  (He  dictates) 
I  promise  in  the  name  of  the  organization 
not  to  stop  my  checks  to  Herbert  Wilke  and  Mary 
Sweet  of  the  11th  of  January.  Sign. 

ANNA  (signs) 
Here  you  are. 

WILKE 

Thank  you. 

MARY 
Thank  you. 

WILKE 

Well,  we're  off-  Be  prepared  for  the  two- 
little  geniuses. 

MARIE 
Good  luck.  You  know  I  was  wishing  she 
would  refuse  and  give  me  a  chance. 


OPEN  LOVE  45 


WILKE   (turns  in  the  door) 

Oh,  by  the  way,  it  may  surprise  or  madden, 
or  any  damn  thing  you  call  it,  that  we  are 
going  to  be  married.   (They  run  off) 

AXXA  (goes  to  door)  N, 

How  dare  they.    I'll  stop  them.  I  can't. 

LOWDEX  f 

You  can't.  They  tricked  you.  ,    " 

RALPH  SWEET 

I'm  a  father.  My  daughter  will  be  a  mo- 
ther, to  hell  with  you  units-  I'm  going  to  send 
my  child  a  wedding  present. 


4  6  OPEN  LOVE 


PAKT     THREE 

Twenty  years  have  passed',  with  cheers 
hopes  and  failures,  including  a  never  ending 
movement  of  the  Populator's  Club.  —  The  Po- 
pulators  have  worked  hard.  —  A  year  after 
Wilke  and  Mary's  marriage  came  a  boy,'  — ■ 
Wallow  by  name,     later  came   a  girl  named 

Mary.  — 

Both  have  been  raised  carefully  and  show 

great  promise. 

We  find  Wallow  a  man  and  hisi  sister  rapid- 
ly acquiring  womanhood.  Derrick  the  poet  is 
giving  Wallow  a  lesson. 

DERRICK 
Now  let  me  hear  you,  Wallow.  j 

WALLOW 

Man's  ridiculous  laws  are  a  disgrace  to 
God'is  creed.  The  good  has  been  rotted1  with 
hypocrisy,  and  the  bad  placed  on  a  pedestal. 
No  longer  do  we  stand  by  the  old  fashioned 
ideas  of  our  fathers,  but  on  the  feat  of  a  new 
and  greater  movement,  The  Populators. 


OPEN  LOVE  47 


DERRICK 

As  you  speak,  I  see  your  father's  strong 
punches  and  your  mother's  speaking  power- 

WALLOW    (coming  down) 

Now  look  here.  I  want  to  know  something 
about  them.  I  am  going  to  be  20  years  old  soon 
and  I  never  go  out  to  meet  people. WCryi 

DERRICK  -—»■.-.-, 

You  must  be  patient  my  boy,  Rome  was 
not  built  in  a  day.  You  are  to  be  a  guiding: 
light  in  this  world-  When  you  face  it,  you  will 
shine  around  it,  not  flicker  and  flutter  and 
then  die  out. 

WALLOW 
Yet  I  know  I  am  not  living  a  normal  life- 

DERRICK 

Come,  come  be  patient.  It  is  all  that  I  ask, 
for  your  father's  and  mother's  sake,  if  not 
for  ours- 

WALLOW 

I  guess  you  are  right.  The  world  is  a  bad 
place,  no  love*  that  is,  free  love.  The  rich  take 
it  from  the  poor,  the  strong  from  the  weak- 
Tell  me  Derrick,  what  is  marriage  ? 


48  OPEN  LOVE 


DERRICK 

Outside,  if  yon  love  a  girl  and  wanted  to  live 
with  her-  you  would  have  to  get  a  license. 

WALLOW 
A  license? 

DERRICK 

Yes,  a  permit.  Then  a  priest  or  an  official 
reads  a  few  lines,  and  you  are  respectable, 
and  society  is  satisfied. 

WALLOW 

I'm  not  going  through  that  manoeuvre  If 
I  love  a  girl,  and  she  loves  me,  before  God, 
she  is  mine- 

-      ,  DERRICK 

But  not  before  man.  Man  says  you  should 
marry  to  please  God- 

-WALLOW 

But  a  politician  or  a  grafter  is  not  God's 
representative.  Suppose  you  defy  them,  as  we 
all  are  trying  to  do- 

DERRICK 

Well,  if  the  girl  is  pretty;  she  will  be  sneered 
at  by  the  women,     admired  by  the  men;     if 


OPEN  LOVE  49 


she  is  homely  she  will  be  admired  by  the  women 
and  shunned  by  the  men. 

WALLOW 

And  the  man? 

DERRICK 

Oh  he'll  be  honored.     The  men  will  clap 
him  on  the  back  and  with  a  sly     wink     say 
'Some  boy'"  and  the  women  will  say  "he  is 
fascinating" 

WALLOW 

Why  is  this?    Why  are  they  not  both  dis- 
graced or  glorified  ? 

DERRICK 
Because   they|  ajre  'chilcfren|       The   whole 
world  is  a  ship  on  the  sea  of  immorality  with 
every  passenger  hoping  it  will  be    wrecked. 

WALLOW 

Then  planking  our  free  love  ideas  ought 
to  be  simple- 

DERRICK 

Xo,  because  the  passengers  prefer  to  take 
a  duck  in  the  sea  and  climb  back  on  the  boat- 

WALLOW 

Some  day  perhaps  that  ship  will  be  aban- 
doned-   {Anna  comes  in  with  May  Siveet.  May 


50  OPEN  LOVE 


is   Wallow's  sisfcer>   the  other  child  given  by 
Wilke  and  Mary.) 

AKNA. 

There  you  are.  (To  Derrick)  Well,  how  is 
Wallow  ? 

WALLOW 
Fine-  (Then  to  sister)  Sister,  how  are  you? 

MAY 

I'm  sick  of  it  all-  She  tells  me  that  I  can 
only  have  one  child  and  the  rest  I  must  give 
to  the  government,  but  I  won't- 

WALLOW 
But  you  must.     It  is  right- 

MAY 
I  won't-  What  do  you  know  about  children? 

DERRICK  (coming  doivn) 
Please,  please*  where  are  the  children-  May 
!has  not  found  her  mate  and  before  she  does, 
she's  going  to  be  a  great  lecturer- 

MAY 
No,  I  haven't  found  him,  but  when  I  do,  I'll 
make  him  marry  me  or  he  can't  have  me- 

WALLOW  (to  his  sister) 
Don't  you  know  that  marriage  is  only  a 
fraud?  What  is  there  in  marriage  to  protect, 


OPEN  LOVE 


51 


anything!  Xow  if  a  man  loves  a  girl,  that  is  a 
real  man  lie  protects  and  cherishes  her  just 
as  tenderly  without  a  license  as  he  would  with 
one.  If  a.  man  is  unprincipled  do  you  think  a 
license  would  make  him  any  better.  No,  its 
the  man  not  the  license  that  counts. 

MAY 

Wallow*  that's  true,  but  you  don't  under- 
stand- I  can't  say  what  it  is  because  I  don't 
know.  My  ^oul  can  tell  you  if  not  my  words. 
It's  like  a  bright  light  longing  for  something 
to  keep  the  eternal  aglow  and  when  I  think  of 
keeping  that  light  aglow,  without  projecting 
it  from  the  wind,  that  light  goes  low,  only  a 
woman  can  understand  that. 

ANNA 

I'm  a  woman,  but  I  don't  understand  that 
talk.  Your  father  and  mother  got  you  to  talk 
for  us  and  not  against  us. 

DERRICK 

We  sacrificed  twenty  years  of  our  lives, 
planning,  fighting,  hoping.  Don't  go  back  on 
us-    Its  for  the  Populators. 

WALLOW 
I'm  with  you. 


52  OPEN  LOVE 


MAY 
And  I  for  honorable  motherhood-     (Mane 
lthe  old  maid  enters.  She  has  aged  but  is  still 
pert  as. ever) 

MARIE 

Here  you  are,  talking  as  usual.    Well  May, 
[how  are  you! 

MAY 

Very  down-hearted.      I  feel  like  running 
away  from  it  all. 

ANNA  (who  has  heard,  turns) 
Silence. 

MARIE 
Oh,  Love  I  suppose-     Wheal  this  club  was- 
it  its  prime,  I  had  so  many  suitors-   (Lowden 
enters*  stands  in  the  door  listening*) 

ANNA 
Thats  not  true-    She  was  as  homely  as  she- 
is  now,  she  only  joined  this  club  as  an  excuse 
to  cover  her  sins. 

MARIE 

My  dear  Miss  President,  you  wrong  me,. 
My  father  — 

ANNA    (interrupting    her)  i 

We  don't  talk  about  parents  here- 


OPEN  LOVE  5^ 


LOWDEN    (coming  center) 
But  we  will- 

DERRICK 

What  do  you  mean? 

LOWDEX 
What  I   s;aid-   Here  we  represent  the   30O 
supporters-    We  have  been  losing  rapidly.  Our 
party  is  at  its  crisis-    Shall  I  tell  you  why? 

DERRICK 

No,  not  before  them. 

LOWDEN 

Yes,  before  them  because  we  are  wrong- 
All  wrong.  We  're  fighting  something ;  we  don't 
know  what-  We're  fighting  the  impossible-  Its 
been  one  jumble  all  of  it.  Open  love*  and  sup- 
pose we  did  have  our  way.  Murder,  war,  no 
home,  no  family  ties,  nothing  in  life  worth 
while.  Everything  unbearable  . 

ANNA 

I'm  surprised- 

DERRICK 
What  has  come  over  you? 

LOWDEN 
The  truth. 


54  OPEN  LOVE 


MAY  (to  Lowden) 
And  I  am  with  you- 

DERRICK 

You  are  ours.  Your  parents  signed  you  to 
us-    You  and  Wallow. 

LOWDEN" 
Another  terrible  thing- 

A'NNA 

Give  us  the  one  chance  we  waited  for  so 
long. 

LOWDEN 
What  chance! 

DERRICK 

Wallow  and  May  will  get  their  chance  to 
^xprdss  our  views';  our  hopes.  Wallow  can  and 
"will  convince  them.  He  will  speak  next  month. 

LOWDEN  {turning  to  May) 
And  you  May? 

MAY 

I  shall  not  speak-  Why  the  very  plan  is  so 
ridiculous.  There  is  not  one  aim*  one  point 
that  you  or  your  party  can  really  call  sane- 


OPEN  LOVE  55 


ANNA 

As  president  of  the  party,  I  say  there 
is- 

MAY 
What  is  it? 

DERRICK 

The  right  of  man  to  go  through  the  world 
grasping  love  where  he  can  find  it. 

MAY 

They  have  that  on  the  outer  world-  Only 
proper  law  to  protect  women  from  triflers. 

DERRICK 

But  suppose  one  finds  he  has  chosen  a 
wrong  mate- 

MAY 
He  gets  a  divorce. 

DERRICK 

I  can  see  that  point,  but  one  child  to  a  fa- 
mily, the  other  to  be  taken  away,  so  he  will 
not  feel  the  pain  at  a  dear  one's  death- 

MAY 

Take  the  c'hild  away  from  its  parents'  he 
will  have  friends.  Everybody  has  so  much  love 
to  give,  it  may  be  for  art,  or  even  f ads>  but  when 
that  is  gone,  what  then?  An  artist  is  just  as 


56  OPEN  LOVE 


grieved  over  a  picture  he  loves,  if  stolen,  a,s  a 
mother,  when  her  babe  is  'lost,  for  both  are 
children  of  the  brain. 

DERRICK  (puzzled) 
Well,  well,  I  believe  in  open  love. 

MAY 
When  you  have  a  treasure,  do  you  not  pro- 
tect it?  You  put  your  gold  behind  iron  bars, 
but  your  love  you  want  open  to  be  taken  by 
him  who  dares. 

LOWDEN 
Bravo>  bravo.    You  are  a  genius- 

WALLOW 
I  shall  speak- 

MAY 
And  were  you  not  my  brother,  I  would  speak 
against  you. 

DERRICK  (pleading) 
Please  don't  do  that-    You  would  ruin  us. 

LOWDEN 
Very  well,  I've  made  up  my  mind.    1  shall 
stay  until  after  the  speech- 

MAY 
Wallow,  you  are  doomed  to  failure.     You 
have  the  book  knowledge,  but  you  are  hollow* 
your  body  matter  is  developed  over  the  brain 
matter- 


OPEN  LOVE  57- 


MARIE 

That  is  all  Greek  to  me.  Excuse  me  but  Fni 
going-  (Goete  to  door,  left)  Miss  May,  I  won'*t 
debate,  but  you're  wrong.  (Exit-) 

AXXA 

I  want  to  tell  you  M]ay>  you  speak  to  protect 
that  which  you  don't  know-  Go  to  those  people 
you  think  so  much  about,  meet  them,  and  you 
will  find  after  all  we  are  right. 

MAY 

I  don't  believe  it-    I  don't  believe  it. 

DERRICK 

It  is  true-  This  is  just  a  fad  with  you.  It 
will  pass,  it  will  pass- 

MAY 

Woman's  love  of  honor,  it  will  never  pass- 
(Exit  Derrick  and  Anna) 

MAY  (to  Lowden) 
Tell  me,  Lowden,  were  my  parents  married  f 

LOWDEN 
Yesv 

MAY 

I'm  so  glad,  I  feared  and  feared- 


55 


OPEX  LOVE 


LOWDEX 

The  nisrlit  of  the  address  I  will  tell  you  both 
everything,  the  whole  story.  Will  you  wait  and 
trust  me? 

^YALLOW 

Yes,  you  have  been  a  true  friend.  (Enter 
Miriam  Day)  (Miriam  is  a  sweet  young  girl  of 
nineteen,  dark,  slender,  with  a  sympathetic  face 
ihat  breathes  sweetness)- 

MIREAMI 

Excuse  me.  You  know,  Hay,  I  was  reading 
in  my  room,  and  became  so  lonelv  that  I  went 
into  the  garden,  yet  I  wasn't  satisfied. 

MAY" 

Beautiful  things  don't  satisfy  because  after 
all  thev  are  onlv  things. 

WALLOW 

How  are  you  Miriam?  I  missed  you  to-day. 

MIRIAM 

And  I  vou.  Y\liv  didn't  vou  meet  me  in  the 
garden  \ 

WALLOW 

I  was  very  busy,  but  I'll  make  up  for  it  later 
on 


OPEN    LOVE  59* 


\MHtIAM) 

Oh  that's  all  risrlit  vour  work  comes  first- 

■    WALLOW 
Xot  before  vou. 

■ 

MAY 
He's  au  old  flatterer.       Miriam     will  toil 
help  me  try  on  my  new  dress  !  I  can't  just  get 
it  as  I  wish  it.  It  will  take  only  a  minute.  Ex- 
cuse us  please. 

WALLOW 
Please  don't  go. 

MIRIAM 

I'll  be  right  back.  (The  two  girls  exit 
tight) 

WALLOW 
Lowclen  vou  are  different  from  all  of  them. 

■ 

You're  kind  and  understand- 

LOWDE^ 

Wallow.  I'm  of  the  outer  world.  My  person 
belongs  to  this  club  but  my  spirit  has  always 
rebelled  against  it- 

WALLOW 

Why  did  you  join  this  club?  (Stops)  Oh  ex- 
cuse me,  that  is  a  rather  personal  question- 


(50  OPEN    LOVE 


LOWDEK 
I  will  tell  you  in  a  few  words.  My  marriage 
was  a  failure.  I  was  bound  to  a  \voman,a    drunk- 
ard. I  tried  to  divorce  her,  but  the  law  forbade 
it  asi  I  had  no  real  case.  So  the  first  thing  that 
came  along,     I  reached  for,     like  a  drowning 
man.  It  was  free  love-  I  thought  it  was  to  be  the 
future  blessing    of  the  broad-minded  man,  but 
I  soon  saw  it  was  more  narrow  than  the  other, 
now  you  know.  Now  you  see? 

WALLOW 
I  do  and  I  am  sorry.  Is  she  still  alive? 

LOWDEN 

No  she  is  gone-  I  am  free  and  though  the 
law  tied  me  down.  I  can't  denounce  it.  Take 
IMiriam  for  instance,  she  was  like  me. 

WALLOW 
Tell  me  about  her- 

LOWDEN 

Wallow,  I  notice  vou  are  very  interested. 

WALLOW 
She  is  kind  and  a  real  woman- 

LOWDEX 

Yet  she  joined  because  society  cut  her,  she 
was  denounced. 


OPEN    LOVE  61 


WALLOW 
Why  f 

LOWDEX 

That  is  all  I  know,  my  lad,  but  she  is  a  good 
girl.  I  judge  her  by  what  I  have  seen  of  her  and 
she  is  good. 

WALLOW 

But  if  the  world  denounces  such  as  you  and 
Miriam  without  a  fair  trail,  is  it  not  in  a.  fright- 
ful state? 

LOWDEX 

The  world  is  all  right  and  so  are  the  people 
in  it-  It  is  just  a  mistake  of  using  old  ideas. 

WALLOW 
Old  ideas?  What  do  vou  mean? 

LOWDEX 
Moral  ideas.  Xow  we  would  laugh  if  anyone 
-dressed  as  our  forefathers  did  hundreds  of 
years  ago-  We  would  say  that  is  old  fashioned, 
not  for  our  time.  We  have  advanced  only  in  the 
material  things  such  as  dress,  light  and  all  mod- 
ern conveniences.  But  what  about  us  morally, 
have  we  advanced?  Xo,  the  people  still  s'tick  to 
old  customs*  old  laws,  that  no  more  fit  our  times, 
than  f.ie  dresses  of  old-  Why  even  old  technical 
laws  are  in  force- 


62  OPEN   LOVE 


WALLOW 

Why  is  all  this?  Tell  me  Lowden,  is  man  a 
failure  ? 

LOWDEN 

No  one  can  tell,  because  we  don't  know  what 
standard  man  is  supposed  to  reach.  (Enter 
Miriam  —  center) 

MIRIAM  (  coming  down) 

AVell  here  I  am.  I  have  kept  my  word.  (She 
stops,  hesitates)  I  hope  I  did1  not  intrude! 

LOWDEN 

That's  all  right,  child.  I  must  be  off 
I'm  going  to  run  down  to  tie  city  to-night.  Oh 
by  the  wray,  I  want  to  siae  you  before  I  go,. 
Wallow.  (Exit  —  Center) 

MIRIAM 
He's  a  dear- 

WALLOW 

Lowden  is  a  bright  spot  among  all 
this  darkness,  Lowden  and  you. 

MIRIAM 
Oh  Wallow ! 


OPEN    LOVE  (33 


WALLOW 

Don't  you  want  me  to  speak  like  that  to 
you  ? 

MIRIAM] 

I  do.  I  want  it  more  than  anything  in  the 
world  but  there  are  things  in  one's  life  that 
prevent- 

WALLOW 

What  can  prevent  me  from  speaking  to 
you  even  loving  you,  except  you  don't  care. 

MIRIAM 

If  s  not  that  Wallow,  I  do  care-  I  do  care. 

WALLOW 

I've  spoken  my  thoughts.  I've  spoken  what 
I  meant  to  conceal.  I  wanted  to  wait  until  I  was 
sure  of  you,  Xow  nothing  can  keep  you  from 
me.  You  are  what  you  are.  I  am  a  free  thinker 
and  in  love. 

MIRIAM 

You  are  right-  There  is  nothing  here  to 
stop  us.  We  are  not  out  in  the  world-  The  world 
of  regrets  but  in  our  garden  where  we  can 
love- 


64  OPEN    LOVE 


WALLOW 

Lowden  is  wrong,  he  is  wrong.  (Kisses 
her) 

MIRIAM 

You  love  me  Wallow,  really  truly- 

WALLOW 

Yes,  I've  known  it  for  days  and  days,  but 
I  was  satisfied  to  remain  silent'  to  express  my 
love  to  you  by  kindness- 

MIRIAM 

Wallow,  Wallow,  I  do  want  you,  but  how 
can  I  be  sure- 

WALLOW 
Sure  of  what  dear? 

MIRIAM 

That  it  isn't   just   tjhq  fljame    of  youth,, 
that  will  be  quenched  as  quickly  as  it  started- 

WALLOW 

How  can  I  prove  it.  I  would  say  marriage 
but  it  is  against  our  belief. 

MIRIAM 

I  know.  But  Wallow  what  do  you  know 
about  me.      Nothing.      Are  you  going  to  take 
mi-  on  trust? 


OPEN    LOVE  (35 


WALLOW 
What  I  have  seen  in  you  is  enough  for  me. 

MIRIAM 

Still  in  a  love  like  ours  there  will  be 
jealous v  and  you  must  be  sure,  so  sure- 
v  11 olloiv  embracing  her) 

WALLOW 

And  I  am.  {Enter  May) 

MAY 

Excuse  me,  I  couldn't  help  but  see-  So  you 
two  are  in  love.  I've  seen  it  coming-  I'm  very 
glad  for  both  of  you.   (She  kisses  Miriam) 

WALLOW 
Yes,  sis,  and  I  think  I'll  hunt  up  Lowden. 
He's  waiting  for  me  and  I  have  something  im- 
portant to  say  to  him.  'Excuse  me  please.  (Exits 
Center) 

MAY 

Well,  when  are  you  going  to  be  engaged? 

MIRIAM] 

Engaged,  why  (she  hesitates)  We,  we- 
ll a ven't  decided  yet. 

MAY 

Wallow,  will  make  a  good  husband-  Oh,  I 
don't   say   this  because  he's   my   brother,  but 


^G  OPEN  LOVE 


he  has  fine  qualities   in   spite   of  fhis   faults, 
which  are  minor- 

MIRIAM; 

Yes,  he's  a  dear  and  I  love  him-  I'll  be  so 
proud  to  be  bis,  his.'  (Stops) 

MAY 

11  is,  you  hesitate.  Why?  It's  net  as  I  sus- 
pected, these  people  and  their  doctrine.  It's 
not  possible-     Tell  me  (holding  her)  Look  at 
me  squarely  and    repeat  his,  his. 

MIjRiTAMi   (breaking  \down) 

Don't,  don't  1  can't  say  it,  his  mate. 

MAY 
Iso,  his  mistress. 

MIRIAM  (siis  down  crying) 
Don't  say  that  word.  Oh,  how  you  hurt  me. 

MAY  {Slowly) 

I'm  glad  it  hurts  you.  Very  glad  because 
it  shows  you  are  good  and  that  this  cursed  club 
lias  not  got  you- 

MIRIAM 

I  do  love  him  anjd  I  want  to  be  his  wife. 
How  I  would  love  to  be  engaged- 


OPEN  LOVE  6T 


MAY 

Certainly  all  girls  do.  Some  of  them  sever- 
al times  at  once.  Now  you  leave  it  all  to  me. 

MIRIAM 

Wallow  will  never  consent. 

MAY 

We  will  make  that  dear  brother  of  mine- 
wish  he  never  belonged  to  this  affair- 

MIRIAM 

How? 

MAY 

You've  laughed  at  mafriiag'e  "like  jail  of 
them.  Called  it  stupid,  man-made.  Yet  when  yom 
thought  of  having  no  real  claim  on  the  man. 
you  love,  you  weaken,  so  it  will  be  with  Wallowr, 
you  leave  him  to  me-  Tell  me  how  did  you  ever- 
come  into  this  club  and  on  the  committee,  so* 
} -ung  ? 

MIRIAM 

I  was  a  victim  of  circumstances,  the  boss* 
where  I  worked  invited  me  to  dinners-  I  re- 
fused many  times,  but  he  persisted.  One  day  I 
went,  I  suppose  I  shouldn't  have  gone,  but  he- 
treated  me  with  every  respect.  As  the  clock 
struck  nine  he  jumped  up  and  embraced  me,. 


08  OPEN  LOVE 


i 

the  door  opened  and  there  stood  his  wife  arid 
two  witnesses.  It  was  a  trap,  yon  can  imagine 
the.  rest,  I  was  named  the  co-respondent.  Big 
publicity  about  the  vampire  girl  with  the  re- 
sult that  every  time  a  young  man  became  in- 
terested in  me  he  was  told  by  my  dear  friends 
this  story.  Xext  day  my  lover  was  gone ;  so  in 
a  fit  of  anger  hearing  of  this  doctrine  I  joined 
the  Populators  and  here  I  am,  but  I'm  good  and 
fit  to  be  anvone's  wife.  Do  you  believe  that? 

MAY 

I  do-  I  am  sorry.  Tt  is  a  problem  this  funny 
old  life.  (Enter  Wallow) 

,       .  WALLOW 

Well,  Lowden  is  not  going  after  all  (Tie  sees 
the  girls  sp&ateng.)  Still  talking  girls?  I  do  not 
know  what/women  find  so  much  to  talk  about. 

MAY 

That's  a  sex  mystery.  I  don't  see  what  you 
men  find  to  brag  about- 

WALLOW 
Quqhr  That's  a  good  one- 

MAY    (whispers  to  Miriam) 

Leave  me   alone  with  dear  little  brother. 
[Miriam  rises) 


OPEN    LOVE  (39 


MIRIAM 

You  will  excuse  me,  I  must  go  to  the  meet- 
ing room,   the  committee  is   to  have  a   secret 

session.  (She  exits) 

WALLOW 
Isn't  she  a  dear  girl- 

MAY 

Well,  yes  as  far  as  girls  go.      Of  course 
you're  not  going  to  marry  her  Wallow? 

WALLOW 

Xo,  we  both  have  the  same  ideals,  that's 
why  she  is  here. 

MAY 
I'm  glad  of  that-  It  won't  bind  you. 

WALLOW 

Oh  ves  it  will.  Just  the  same  as  if  we  went 
through  that  legal  hypocrisy- 

MAY 

Legal  hypocrisy,  you  call  it.   But  it  does 
protect  both  parties  now  doesn't  it? 

WALLOW 
In  what  way? 


70  OPEN  LOVE 


MAY 

Well,  ais  your  wife,  no  man  would  dare  toucj 
her. 


WALLOW 
Well,  No. 

MAY 

Where  the  other  way,  no  man  need  be  af raidy 
you  could  hardly  say  much  under  those- 
conditions. 

WALLOW 
But  she  would  be  mine. 

MAY 

By  what  right? 

WALLOW 

The  right  of  -  the  right  of  (he  stops  puzzled} 
well,  the  right  of  might, 

MAY 

The  first  big  husky  that  comes  along  can 
grab  her  because  he  can  knock  your  head  off? 
and  its  tue  same  for  the  female  for  she  is  not 
bound  to  any  single  man.  A  very  bad  thing. 
Every  little  quarrel  that  comes  up,  both,  will 
go  their  way  or  when  she  lo'ses  those 
rosy  cheeks,  or  you  should  get  sick,  away  the 


OPEN    LOVE 


11 


■other  goes.  It  is  their  right  under  your  law,  but 
in  your  case  I'm  glad. 

WALLOW 
Sis,  there  is  a  lot  in  what  you  say,  I  never 
looked  at  it  in  that  light  before,  but  why  are 
you  so  glad  in  my  case? 

MAY 

Well,  in  a  free  love  both  parties  have  to  be 
satisfied  with  —  well,  handled  goods. 

WALLOW 
May,  I  won't  hear  you  speak  like  that  about 
the  girl  I  love. 

MAY 

What  are  you  going  to  do  about  it?  Close 
your  ears  to  the  truth.  You  are  worldly. 

WALLOW 

Sis..-  (ju'sit  what  do  you  meian   by  handled 
goods  ? 

MAY 

Did  you  ever  go  into  that  cheap  department 
store  across  the  street  from  the  big  one  ?  When 
you  go  in  you  will  see  the  goods  laying  in  the 
open.  Xot  protected  as  they  are  in  glass  cases 
In  the  big  stores,  to  be  shown  only  when 
-some  one  is  really  interested  to  buy.  Every  one 


72  OPEN    LOVE 


that  comes  in  the  cheap  store,  looks  the  goods 
over,  feels  the  material,  some  even  try  them 
on;  then  after  the  goods  have  been  handled 
they  become  shabby  and  worn,  the  price  is  mark- 
ed down  and  called  "Handled  Goods." 

WALLOW 
You  mean  that  Miriam  has  had  an  affair  ? 

MAY 
Why  not?   Only   the   outside  world  would 
accuse  her,  but  as  a  Populator  that  does  not 
matter. 

WALLOW 
But  it  does  matter  to  me.  Do  you  think  I 
want  my  children. . . . 

MAY  {continuing  his  speech) 

Who  by  the  way  will  be-well  you  know  what 
(She  pauses)  Besides  brother  dear,  you  are 
going  to  give  your  children  over  to  the  govern- 
ment to  make  a  strong  nation. 

WALLOW 
Yes,  I  know,  but  still,  still  I  want  her  to  be 
mine,  mine  alone. 

MAY 

Now  see  here  Wallow,  you  can't  do  that 
with  me.  You  must  be  one  way  or  the  other.  You 
can't  take  advantage  of  this  club's  liberal  views 


OPEN    LOVE  73 


and  have  outside  views  too.  It  must  be  all  one 
way,  no  half  and  half. 

WALLOW 
But  she  never  told  me. 

MAY 
Wallow  you  must  decide  now.     If  you  are 
my  way,  the  way  of  honest  people,  you  must 
leave  her  or  forgive  and  marry. 

WALLOW 

I  can't  forgive,  I  can't,  (Stops  and  thinks) 
Still  you  are  right,  She's  simply  done  what  I 
myself  preached.  I  see  it  all  now.  Good  God, 
and  I  tried  to  drive  you  to    this,  I  was  mad. 

MAY 

You  was,  brother. 

WALLOW 
(goes  down  on  his  knees  before  his  sister) 
Forgive  me,  sister  dear,  for  nearly  driving 
you>  my  own,  to  that  terrible  break,  what  a  cad 
I  am. 

MAY   (helping  him  up) 
Xo  Wallow  dear,  if  you  raise  a  man  on 
a  desert  island  and  tell  him  right  is  wrong, 
wrong  will  be  right  to  him.  and  he  is  correct  as 
you  are  taught  so  you  will  teach. 


74  OPEN   LOVE 


WALLOW 

Still  you  were  taught  the  same  things,  and 
yet  you  rose  above  them. 

MAY 

I  have  the  advantage  of  being  a  woman 
and  have  a  woman's  instinct.  Will  you  forgive 
her  ? 

WALLOW 

All  my  hope  and  the  pride  that  love  brings 
is  lost,  still  I  must  think. 

MAY 

The  natural  man  instinct  is  bitter 
toward  this  I  know.  Wallow  you  are  just 
ordinary,  you  can't  rise  above  them. 

WALLOW 

I'm  trying  I'm  trying,   but  I'm  afraid  I 
can't*    (Etyiter  Marie,  SWeet,  Low  den*   Heine* 
Derrick,  Anna,  Miriam.    As   they   enter   they 
solemnly  take  their  places.  After  they  are  all- 
seated,  Anna  rises-) 

ARISTA 

Wallow,  we  have  just  come  from  the 
meeting  room  where  we  came  to  a  final 
decision.  We  have  waited  20  years  for  this 
day.    The  day  we  would  think  you  capable  of 


OPEN    LOVE  75 


representing  us.  We  have  grown  old,  time  has 
been  cruel  and  yet  kind.  For  we  who  started 
.this  experiment  are  all  together  except  brother 
JBeckman  who  passed  away  not  fearing  death, 
but  praying  that  he  might  see  the  end  of 
the  experiment.  An  experiment  that  cannot  be 
hurried  by  money  or  labor.  We  feel  we  have 
been  fortunate  in  having  you  and  your  sister. 
Your  sister  revolts,  and  will  not  speak.  We 
place  our  faith  in  your  hands.  What  have  you 
to  say? 

WALLOW   (rising  and  addressing  Hi  em) 

My  sister  and  I  were  placed  amongst  you, 
not  by  our  own  will  but  by  our  parents.  It  is  for 
them  that  I  remain  true. 

LOWDEJST 

Wallow,  what  has  come  over  you  ? 

MAY 

Just  the  truth.  My  sister  saved  hirself 
fighting  all  of  you.  I  will  speak  with  my  best 
knowledge  for  your  club,  not  because  of  the 
money  spent,  but  for  the  time  and  my  parents, 
whom  the  world  treated  cruelly. 

MAKHE    (pleadingly) 

Doirt  fail  us  Wallow*  I  can't  wait  for 
-another  child. 


76  OPEN    LOVE 


ANNA  (pounding  on  the  table) 
Silence.  It  is  too  bad  that  vou  feel  like 
that.  After  you  think  carefully,  you  will 
continue  with  our  ideals.  I  understand  you're 
in  love  with  Miriam.  She  is  yours  and  I  hope 
that  love  will  express  itself  and  help  your  voice 
to  ring  with  true  vim. 

WALLOW 

I  won't  take  her  until  I  have  thought 
it  all  over.  I  will  forgive  Miriam,  but  it  will 
take   time. 

MIRIAM   (to  him) 
Wallow,  forgive,  forgive  what? 

WALLOW 

It's  not   your   fault.        It   was    only   as   I 
myself  preached,  and  I  wanted  to  inflict  on  May. 

MIEIAM 
May  has  told  you  ? 

WALLOW 
Yes  everything. 

MIRIAM 

And  you  like  all  the  others  outside,  con- 
demn me   and  I  thought  you  so  different, 
but  you  are  all  alike. 


OPEN    LOVE  '  77 


lWALLOIW    [slowly) 

I  am.  Oh  I'll  try  to  live  it  down,  but  its  so. 
hard. 

MAY 

One  moment,  I  think  I  can  explain  .. 
Miriam  you  left  your  case  in  my  hands.  I  told 
Wallow  you've  had  an  affair  before,  not  the 
other  (turning  to  Wallow)  Wallow,  everything- 
I  told  ycu  is  a  lie.  She's  a  clean,  fine  girl,  one 
of  the  best. 

WALLOW 

Bur  Sis,  why,  why  did  you  lie? 

MAY 

To  open  your  eyes  that  words  are  simply 
shells    and    break    unless    filled    with    deeds, 
Miriam  loves  you  and  she's  a  true      woman, 
you  know  what  I  mean. 

WALLOW  (to  Miriam) 

Miriam  can  you  ever  forgive  me? 

MIEIAM 

For  being  a  real  man  \  I  should  say  I  can. 
I  want  you  to  b?  just  a  little  jealous  of  me. 


#$  OPEN    LOVE 


WALLOW 

Miriam.  Miriam.  What  lias  been  removed. 
Sister  is  right.  (Embraced)  (Turns  to  all)  Mi- 
riam  is  going  to  be  my  wife. 

ANNA 

You  know  the  rules  we  have  here.  I 
forbid  your  marriage. 

WALLOW 

All  right,  if  you  forbid  it,  I'll  do  it  anyway. 
I'll  speak  on  one  condition. 

ANNA 
What  do  you  mean? 

WALLOW 

Simply  this,  I  make  the  speech  omitting 
the  free  love,  and  I  must  be  allowed  to  marry 
Miriam. 

•  MARIE 
Like  father?      like  son,        like  mother  like 
daughter. 

ANNA 
Silence,  we  won't  allow  it,  you  are  ours. 


OPEN    LOVJE  7$, 


WALLOW 

Very  well,  you  defy  me.  I  defy  you  I 
won't  speak  and  you  can  wait  another  20' 
years  for  another  kid,  and  by  that  time  you'll 
all  be  with  the  devil  who  won't  need  vou  to 
convince  him,  (Arnica  pounding  with  the'-, 
gavel) 

ANNA 
Silence. 

WALLOW 

Silence  very  well,  is  that  your  decision? 
Shall  I  be  silent  or  shall  I  speak  and  marry 
Miriam  \ 

LOWDEN   (to  Anna) 
You  must  give  in  to  him. 

MARIE 

Hurry,  hurry,  I'm  getting  older  every 
minute. 

ANNA  (speaks  after  a  pause) 

You  shall  speak. 

WALLOW 

Very  well,  come  .Miriam  and  Sis>  we've  got 
a  lot  to  do.  (Exit  Miriam  May  and  Wallow) 


30  OPEN   LOVE 


DERRICK 

What  do  you  think  of  that? 

LOWDEN 

When  will,  we  aptis'ts  stop  making  the 
terrible  mistake  of  not  studying  human  nature. 

But  we  figured  everything,  We  thought 
of  al'l  the  little  things  that  would  bring  them 
to  our  views,  we  overlooked  nothing. 

LOWDEN" 

We  overlooked  nothing  that  is  true,  but 
-as  all  people  do,  we  forget  the  greatest  of  the 
great.  We  forget  to  count  on  stupid  love. 


OPEN    LOVE  81 


PART     FOUR 

The   big    table   is   all   set  ready   for  the 
wedding  feast.    Marie  is  fixing  the  last  of  the 
things  when  Lowden  enters  with  a  big  bowl  of 
of  pnnch. 

• 

LOWDEN 
Tliere,      I  guess  the  wedding  feast  is  all 
complete.  Have  you  got  the  crackers  ? 

MARIE 

Thev're  here. 

at 

LOWDEN 
This  is  not  devoid  of  humor.    Here  I  am 
secretary  of  the  free  love  advocates,     prepar- 
ing a  wedding  dinner. 

MARIE 
I   always   liked  weddings.   They're   so   ro- 
mantic and  spiritual. 

LOWDEN 
Spiritual,     ha,    you    haven't     seen    many 
weddings.  As  much  ais  I  believe  in  marriage  I 
must  confess  the  average  wedding  is  a  farce. 

MARIE 
In  what  way.  ? 


82  OPEN    LOVE 


LOWDEN 

Every  way,  the  man  looks  as  if  he  was 
being  led  to  the  grave.  Alan  is  never  so  awk- 
ward as\vhen  he's  being  married.  He  may  have 
been  the  worst  bounder,  but  he  leads  the  sweet 
thing  up  to  the  alter  with  the  grace  of  a  saint. 
And  she  looks  like  an  angel  as  pure 
as  the  day  she  was  born,  ait  any  nate  we'll 
say  99  percent.  Then  comes  the  wailing  of  her 
people  who  thank  God  she  has  hooked  some- 
body before  they  weire  bankrupt.  Its  al'l  a  set 
tiling  like  a  theatrical  performance  even  the 
rehearsals. 

MARIE 

Think  of  the  romantic  wedding  night? 

LOWDEX 
And  the  awful  morning  sights. 

MARIE 
You  men  you  have  nest  enough  imagination. 

LOWDE^ 

Perhaps  that  is  why  the  women  are  wearing 
less. 

(Enter  Derrick  and  Sweet). 

DERRICK 

This  is  a  new  one  on  us. 


OPEN  LOVE  83 


RALPH  SWEET 

Don't     you  think  we   should  tell  Wallow 
I'm  his  grandfather. 

LOWDEX 

I  will  tell  him  the  night  of  his  speech,  they 
have  promised  to  wait. 

DERRICK 
If  we  had  many  more  of  your  family  here 
the  club  would  be  ruined. 

LOWDE'X 

Yes  your  family  shows  a  disgracing  amount 
of  respectability.  They  all  want  to  get 
married. 

RALPH  SWEET 
But  I  even  the  scale. 

LOWDEX 

I'll  never  forget  20  years  ago  when  Wilke 
said  tihey  were  going  to  get  married.  How 
happy  you  were,  you  rushed  out  —  we  thought 
the  club  would  cee  you  no  more,  but  in  a 
week  vou  were  back. 

m 

DERRICK 

Sweet  doesn't  can-  who  sits  on  the  tack 
as  lonsc  as  its  not  in  his  chair, 


84  OPEN    LOVE 


RALPH  SWEET 

Well,  after  they  were  married  they  shipped 
off,  where  was  I  to  go,  all  my  friends  were 
here  so  I  came  back. 

LOWDEN 

Funny  -they  never  wrote  where  they  were. 
One  day  Wallow  was  delivered  to  us,  and  then 
May.  But  that's  all. 

RALPH  SWEET 

It  nearly  broke  my  heart  when  I  didn't 
hear  from  them,  but  I  think  they  heard  I  had 
gone  back  to  the  club  and  sort  of  disowned 
me. 

MARIE 

Did  Wallow  say  where  they  were  going  to 
spend   their  honeymoon !   Niagara    Falls,   I 
suppose. 

LOWDEN 

I  hope  not,  why  after  you've  seen  the  Falls 
and  the  Rapids  there's  no  place  to  go.  At  nine 
o'clock  the  town  is  dead,  you  might  as  well  go 
to  bed. 

DERRICK 

Now  for  the  first  time  I  understand  why 
couples  go  to  Niagara  Falls. 


OPEN  LOVE  ^  85 


MARIE 
You  Italians  are  always  looking  at  things 
in  a  double  way.. 

DERRICK 

And  why  not,  is  not  love  double  ? 

RALPH  SWEET 
You  have  a  wir.  , 

LOWDEtf 

A  very  beautiful  conversation  for  wedding* 
guests. 

{Enter  Walloiv) 

WALLOW 

I've  come  to  ask  you  as  ladies  and  gentle- 
men to  please  go  through  this  ceremony  with 
frespect  even  if  you  have  to  act,  for  Miriam  if 
not  for  me. 

LOWDEN 

You  can  trust  us  we  are  gentlemen  at  any 
rate. 

MARIE 

Simply  because  we  chose  to  think  our  way 
it  doesn't  say  we  can't  act  correctly. 

RALPH  SWEET 
Wallow,  my  boy,  I  wish  you  the  best  of  luck. 


gg  OPEN  LOVE 


WALLOW 

Thank  you,  when  the  Alderman  comes  will 
you  receive  him? 

LOWDEK 

Certainly. 

MARIE  (As  Wallow  moves  toward  door.) 
You  have  my  best  wishes. 

WALLOW 
Thanks 

MARIE 
Even  if  you  are  disgracing  us. 

DERRICK 

My  friend,  Women  are  like  a  stage,  only 
beautiful  when  dressed  by  scenery,  but  when 
that  is  gone  and  only  the  bare  walls  remain, 
then  your  illusions  go.  Dear  man,  you'll  cry 
curtain. 

WALLOW 

But  the  memory  of  the  ®et  that  was  once 
there,  will  never  go. 

LOWHEN 

Come,  come  Derrick,  none  of  your  §atire 
today. 


OPEN  LOVE  37 


WALLOW 

And  you  call  yourselves  artist's.  Why 
your  pictures  have  no  souls,  only  cheap  senti- 
ment. 

DERRICK 

That  is  the  public's  fault*  not  mine.  I 
paint  a  beautiful  picture  of  a  young  girl,  she 
stands  like  this,  nude,  looking  out  to  sea.  I 
called  it  ''Love  waiting  for  her  mate."  You 
think  I  sell.  —  No,  no.  One  man  he  offer  me 
$25.  What  I  do,  I  paint  on  her  what  you  call 
a  little  shimmy*  and  call  it  <lI  say  she  does" 
and  I  must  call  tlie  police  to  handle  the  custom- 
ers. It  is  not  us  artists  that  are  wicked,  it 
is  the  public. 

WALLOW 
I   suppose  you're   right. 

(Enter  May) 

MAY 

You  can  go  to  Miriam,  Wallow,  she  is  all 
ready.  I'll  tend  to  the  things  here. 

(Wallow  exits) 

LOW!)  EX 
Well  May,  I  honor  you. 


38  OPEN  LOVB 


MAY  : 
Thanks.   Come   now,  make  believe  you're 
happy  even  if  you're  not. 

MARIE 
Not  possible. 

DERRICK 

I  have  an  idea.     Lets  make  believe  the're 
not  married. 

LOWDEN 

If  more  couples  did  that  there'd  be  less 
divorces. 

(Enter  Anna,  May  and  Mr.  Roy  stead.) 

ANNA  —  MAY 
In  this  room,     Mr.  Roy  stead.     Gentlemen 
this  is  our  Alderman  who  is  going  to  perform 
the  services. 

LOWDEN 
Make  yourself  comfortable  some  where. 

ROYSTEAD 

This  seems  a  rather  odd  place  for  a  wed- 
ding; what's  the  matter  someone  lose  a  bet. 

MAY 

No  bet  si  lost,      why  to  listen   to   you  Mr. 
Alderman  one  would  think  you  opposed  it. 


OPEN  LOVE  £9 


EOYSTEAD 

Sure  I  do.  I've  been  married  12  years  my- 
self. 

anna 

See. 

MAY 

Then  you  think  that  couples  should  not 
get  married. 

EOYSTEAD    (drinking) 

I  wouldn't  say  that,  but  every  marriage 
should  have  eveay  other  year  to  rest  up  in. 
Some  satire,  eh. 

ANNA   (to  May) 
"Nice  man  to  perform  your  sacred  duty. 

MAY 

Its  the  duty  not  who  or  under  what  condi 
tions  it  is  performed. 

EOYSTEAD 
This  is  excellent  wine. 

DERRICK 

Have  another. 

EOYSTEAD 

Thanks,  I  will.  I've  had  two  or  three 
before  I  got  here. 


90  OFEN  LOVE 


LOWDEN 

So  I  siee. 

ROYSTEAD 
Whenever  I  marry  a- couple  I  think  of*  the 
first  pair  I  married.  I  didriH  know  how  to  do 
it,  so  I  simply  mumbled  and  bluffed  my  way 
out,  then  I  found  out  I  had  married  them  two 
days  before  my  term  began  so  the  poor  things 
weren't  married  at  all.  {they  all  laugh  except 
May  and  Loivden.) 

MAY 
Yes,  they  were*    because  they  both  were 
clean.  If  they  were  fooled  by  law's  careless- 
ness, it's  not  their  fault. 

ANNA 
There,  my  dear,  but  1  bet  if  this  story  was 
told  in  their  neighborhood  they  would  be  gos- 
siped out  of  it.- 

MAY 

For  a  thing,  for  which  they  were  not  to 
blame  f 

ANNA 
Yes,  mv  dear. 

ROYSTBAD 

Yesterday  I  married  a  couple,  an  old  man 
of  70  to  a  young  girl  of  21. 


OPEN  LOVE  91 


LOWDEN 

A  money  marriage? 

ROYSTEAD 

Yes.  The  olcl  man  said  '' where  will  we 
spend  our  wedding  night  in  New  York  or 
Atlantic  City?"  Then  the  girl  said,  "I  rather 
stay  in  New  York,  all  girls*  are  timid  their  first 
night  married"  but  I  assured  her  she  had  noth- 
ing to  fear,  (they  all  laugh)  (Enter  Wallow  and 
May) 

LOWDEN" 
(begins  singing  the  wedding  song  they  all  take 

up  caps  and  drink) 

WALLOW 

We  are  ready. 

ROYSTEAD 

All  right.  Ready.  I'll  read  the  sentence. 


92 


OPEN  LOVE 


P  A R T      FIVE 

(Marie  and  Lowden  are  discovered.  Low  den 
at  'Ms  desk,  Marie  at  the  window,  she  turns  to 
him. ) 

MARIE 

I'm  all  upset,  This  is  the  day,  after  waiting 
so  long. 

LOWDEN 

Yes.  It's  just  like  20  yeans  ago.,  rv^rything 
the  same. 

MARIE 
I  hope  our  success  will  be  different. 

LOWDEX 
I  said  then  we  would  not  have  success,  but 
now  I  think  differently.   Wallow  is  so  smart, 
there  have  been  times  when  he  thrilled  me  so, 
I  think  he  will  startle  the  audience. 

MARIE 

If  he  fails  this  time,  I  may  leave  this  clubv 
I  came  here  because  I  was  mi  old  maid;.  I 
thought  I  would  have  more  chance  with,  men 
in  a  club  with    such    liberal  views,  but  I  see  all 


OPEN  LOVE 


93 


men  are  the  same  when  it  comes  toward  picking 
some  fluffy  haired  baby  face. 

LOWDEN 

Of  course  they  are  the  same,  because  they 
are  built  alike.  Now  to  begin  with,  you  talk 
too  much,  men  like  girls  that  don't  talk  so  much, 
just  listen  to  the  other  fellow.  Remember  he's 
got  a  mouth.  Then  fix  your  hair  nicely,  drape 
your  body  so  it  will  show  your  form,  if  you 
have  any. 

MARIE 

Mr.  Lowden,  you  make  me  blush. 

LOWDEX 

So  you  even  are  shocked  in  an  unfeminine 
way.  Now  to  appeal  to  men  you  should  have  said 
in  a  cute  way  ''You  mustn't  talk  like  that  I 
won't  hear  another  word"  then  sit  down  with 
open  ears  to  hear  some  more. 

MARIE 

You've  spoken  pretty  plainly  to  me 
Lowden. 

LOWDEN 

Taat  is  my  right  as  a  Populator. 


94  OPEN  LOVE 


MARIE 

Very  well,  I've  made  up  my  mind,  Itrri 
going  to  try  your  way  even  if  I  get  ruined 
doing  it. 

LOWDEN 

You're  getting  to  that  age  when  you  need 
to  be  ruined  or  something  to  make  people  notice 
you. 

MARIE 

Mr.  Lowden  you  mustn't  say  such  things 
(she  sits)  but  to  continue  the  conversation. 

LOWDEiNT 

Bravo,  bravo,  now  you're  getting  all  right. 
You  know,  Marie  after  all,  you  and  I  have  not 
lived.     I'm  jealous. 

MARIE 
Of  whom? 

LOWDEN 

Young  Wallow,  don't  misunderstand  me. 
I'm  not  jealous  of  him  personally,  he's  a  fine 
lad,  but  of  what  my  youth  missed. 


MARIE 
What  was  that! 


OPEN    LOVE  95 


LOWDEN 

Love,  and  you  too  have  missed  it.  You 
should  have  taken  one  of  your  three,  but  you 
cast  it  aside  and  now  you  are  paying.  Why  did 
you  kill  love? 

MARIE 

Lowden  you  ask  me  tlie  nearest  question  to 
my  heart.     I  seem  foolish,  thoughtless,  I  am, 
but  I  have  thought  and  thought  and  when  I'm 
alone  I  have  cried.  I  have  found  some  satisfac- 
tion in  this  club  bur  not  enough. 

LOWDEN 

We  are   the  last   of  the   race  that  killed 
ideals  and  true  life,  but  youth  won't  be  denied 
and  love  triumphs  in  the  end. 

MARIE 

They  say  Cupid  never  dies,  only  waits,  waits 
and  then  when  you  think  you  have  gone  too 
far  to  have  him  near  you,  he  shoots  his  arrow 
and  you,  like  all  the  rest,  surrender,  just  to 
get  in  the  enemy's  camp. 

LOWDEN 

A  camp  I  used  to  say  was  surrounded  by 
"barb  wire  troubles,  in  which  once  you  get  in 
you  never  get  out.    Xow  all  nry  friends  are  in, 


96  OPEN   LOVE 


I  feel  lost,  but  I  think  we  have  traveled  too 
far  the  road  of  life  for  Cupid  to  bother  with  us. 
There  are  plenty  of  bright  young  folks  for  him 
to  capture.  (Enter  Wallow) 

WALLOW 
Hello  everybody'  well  to-day  is  the  day. 

MARIE 

Wallow,  I  wish  you  luck,  I  hope  you  make 
a  good  speech,  a  personal  success  as  a  speech 
maker,  the  rest,  well  let  that  go  its  course.  I'll 
see  you  later.    'Excuse  me.  (Exits) 

WALLOW 

Well,  she's  as  enthusiastic  as  a  drunkard 
at  a  prohibition  meeting. 

LOWDEN 
How  long  are  you  going  to  speak? 

WALLOW  / 

I  haven't  figured  it  all  out  yet,  but  I  think 
it  will  be  about  an  hour.  My  wife  is  mors 
excited  than  I. 

LOWDEJNT 
Do  you  like  married  life? 


OPEN  LOVE  9f 


WALLOW 
Well,  its  only  been  two  months  but  its  great. 
I'm  so  proud  to  say  ''my  wife".  It  gives  me  a 
sense  of  ownership.  My  wife  —  sometimes  I 
keep  saying  it  to  myself,  you  know  it  makes  me 
feel  big. 

LOWDEN 
I    remember    one  time  when  you    thought 
different  about  marriage. 

WALLOW 

That's  true,  but  I  found  out,  thanks  to  my 
sister,  that  I  had  been  mislead  with  empty  words. 
Words  are  great  things  but  people  can't  live 
on  or  in  them. 

LOWDEtf 

And  your  speech,  is  your  heart  and  soul 
in  it? 

WALLOW 

It  is,  all  but  for  that  free  lo^  'stuff.  That's 
out  —  its  all  hollow  nonsense. 

LOWDEN 

Suppose  the  rest  was  hollow  nonsense,  the 
war  part,  the  children  to  government  part,  the 
whole  thing,  suppose  it  was  just  an  empty  idea 
of  a  disappointed  people. 


98  .  OPEN  hOYB 


WALLOW 

Lowden,  I  don't  understand  you  or  in  fact 

any  of  you. 

■ 

LOWDEN 
Perhaps,  not,  but  as  for  myself,  I  would 
not  be  here  only  for  a  disappointment,  I 
joined  this  club  like  a  man  who  has  been  turned 
down  by  a  girl;  joins  a  bachelor's  club  swear- 
ing hatred  for  the  whole  sex.  He  keep* 
others  away  from  trying'  to  get  what  he  sought 
and  failed,  its  a  lot  like  sour  grapes.  (Enter 
Miriam  and  May) 

WALLOW 

Hello,  wife  dear  (kisses  her)  and  sis. 

MIRIAM 
Now  make  a  nice  speech  for  my  sake. 

WALLOW 
For  your  sake  or  the  cause's  sake  ? 

MAY 

We  want     you  to  make  good,  because  of 
you,  but  not  so  much  for  the  cause. 

WALLOW 
Like  an  actor,  who  the  first  night  tries  to. 
score  a  personal  success,  even  if  he  ruins  the 
play. 


OPEN  LOVE  99 


MIRIAM 
But  if  its  a  bad  play? 

LOWDEN 
Do  you  think  its  a  bad  cause  ? 

WALLOW 

What,  another  one?  say  this  is  going  to  be 
a  joke  on  me.  I'm  talking  for  a  club  that  wi)1 
oe  memberless. 

MAY 

Those  old  thick  headed  ones  will  never  quit. 

WALLOW 
Well,  I'm  in  a  nice  position,  a  sort  of  lead- 
er who  can't  turn  back  because  his  men  are 
pressing  too  close  behind  him.  {Enter  Anna  and 
Sweet.) 

RALPH  SWEET 
Wallow  make  good.     I  want  to  see  you  do 
it  because  I  am  your  (pauses) 

ANNA 
Silence,  remember  there  are  no  ties  here. 

WALLOW 
Aly  what.  I  want  to  know. 


100  OPEN  LOVE 


N  l 


.  ANNA 
I  forbid  it. 

WALLOW 
Very  well,  I  must  know  everything.  Now  1 
can't  and  won't  speak  for  you,  unless  I'm  in 
your  confidence. 

[-;      ANNA 
He  is  your  mother's  father. 

MAY  ■. 

Our  grandfather.   (She  kisses  him) 

ANNA 

None  of  that;  what  difference  does  that 
make.  I  could  say  Lowden  was  your  grand- 
father, you'd  not  know  the  difference. 

EALPH  SWEET 

J3ut  I've  known  it  all  along  and  I'm  proud 
of  it,  even  though  I  am  violating  one  of  the 
club's  rules. 

WALLOW 

We  both  have  the  same  blood  in  our  veins, 
that's  die  difference. 

.-..--  ANNA 
Wallow  get  ready.  Sweet  you  and  Lowden 
will  stay  behind  and  arrange  for  our  committee 
meeting  right  after  his  speech. 


OPEN   LOVE  101 


!      ■ 


LOWDEN 
Just  as  we  did  twenty  years  ago. 

ANNA 
Miriam  and  May,     if  you  intend  coming 
along,  hurry,    (the  girls  exit  with  Anna  and 
Sweet) 

LOWDEN 

I  can't  claim  any  relationship  but  I'm  your 
friend-  I'm  glad  that  I'm  not  going. 

WALLOW 
Why  Lowden? 

LOWDEN" 

Because  I  don't  want  to  see  you  fail,  yet  I 
don't  want  the  seed  sown  farther.  Good  luck, 
anyway. 

WALLOW 

Thanks.  See  you  after  its  over,  (exit  —  En 
ter  Marie  looking  fine. 

MARIE 
Have  they  gone? 

LOWDEN 
They  just  left.    You'll  have  to  get  another 
cab.  I'll  call  it. 


102  OPEN   LOVE 


MARIE 

Never  mind. 

■  - 

LOWDEST 
What  a  difference  —  you  really  look  fine. 

MARIE 

Yes,  I  have  changed  outwardly  some,  but 
inwardly  I'm  completely  remodeled. 

-LOWDEff 

That  is  the  mo>st  important.  I  think  that 
man's  outward  appearance  is  like  a  store  that 
has  a  fine  show  window.  It  attracts  but  the 
inside  must  live  up  to  the  outside,  or  it  is  a 
failure. 

MARIE 

I  have  acted  now  that  I  look  back  upon  it 
all,  like  a  fool,  it  was  only  hollow  foolish 
ness  to  keep  myself  from  thinking  of  what  I 
might  have  had. 

LOWDEIST 

I  might  have  had,  too.  After  all,  Marie  we 
ourselves  were  to  blame,  not  the  world.  It  was 
there.  If  we  chose  the  path  that  lead  to  the 
desert  instead  of  the  green  fields  and  hills,  we 
should  have  retraced  our  steps. 


OPEN  LOVE  103 


MARIE 

But  we  didn't.  We  camped  on  the  desert, 
suffering  its  heats  instead  of  going  back  and 
starting  anew.  And  now  — 

LOWDEN 

I  wonder  if  we're  too  old,  too  used  to  the 
desert  to  go  back  and  start  anew? 

MARIE 

I  am  going  to  try  it.  Oh  it  may  be  a  long 
journey,  but  if  I  get  to  the  hills  just  before 
death,  I  will  be  satisfied. 

LOWDEST 
I  have  not  the  courage,  it's  a  long  long  road 
for  a  lone  traveler. 

MARIE 
Just  the  same,  I  am  going  to  go  it. 

LOWDEN 

Ideals.  Ideals.  Now  our  lives  have  run 
parallel  like  two  tracks.  Since  we're  both  going 
the  same  direction,  couldn't  we  switch, 
sort  of  go  back  the  road  together? 

MARIE 

Lowden,  I  don't  say  I  love  you,  but  I  think 
it  will  come  because  you  was  the  one 
to  awaken  me. 


• 


104  OPEN  LOVE 


LOWDEIST 

Will  you  marry  me? 

MARIE 
But  the  club? 

LOWDEIST 

Bosk,  we  will  leave  it  with  the  rest  of  the 
desert. 

MA11IE 

Cupid  has  followed1  us  and  his  aim  was 
true. 

LOWDEN" 
I'm  going  insido  barbed  wire  with  the  rest 
and  I'm  the  happiest  prisoner  old  King  Cupid 
ever  captured,  and  we  'shall  make  our  trip  to 
the  hills,  the  hills  and  trees  I  thought  I  wa3 
only  to  idream  about,  while  I  slept  on  desert 
sands. 


OPEN  LOVE  ^05 


PART      SIX 

Lowden  and  Sweet  are  discovered. 

;  LOWDEN 

Here  we  are  again,  just  as  we  were  twenty 
long  years  ago. 

RALPH  SWEET 
And  as  I  felt   then,  I  looked  forward  to 
this  day,  sacrificed  a  lot,  and  now  (he  pauses) 

LOWDEN 

Tie  t  a  rill  is  not  as  we  hoped.  Still  I  must 
say,  Wallow  ought  to  make  a  deep  impression. 

RALPH  SWEET 
Everything  is  changed  since  the  last  trial. 

LOWDEN 

Except  us.  We  are  of  the  thick-headed  type. 
That  is  why  Sweet,  I  want  to  tell  you  some 
thing,  so  that  if  we  should  not  have  success, 
you  will  not  think  me  a  quitter. 

RALPH  SWEET 
What  do  ycu  mean,  my  dear  Lowden? 


j       !  [j 

-.::  — WT  ,     --   --    .    -     -- 

■          -    ■   ■  ■  ---.-.--..-_..  _ 

-  -     ---■    ■ 

_. 

JOB  i 

OPEN   LOVE 

' 

LOWDEN" 

Tihis.  (hands  him   paper)  It  is  my  resigna- 
tion. 

RALPH  SWEET 
No.  You  can't  mean  it. 

LOWDEN" 


I  do,  I've  had!  all  I  want  of  a  foolish,  ridicu- 
lous idea.  This  club  might  have  succeeded 
in  the  Spartan  day's,  or  even  twenty-five  years 
ago  in  our  country.  But  now,  why  its  like  a 
cannibal  with  a  spear,  throwing  it  at  the  new 
railroad  engine,  hoping  to  stop  the  advance 
of  civilization.  The  best  he  could  do  would  be 
to  make  a  bit  of  noise.  I  hand  it  to  you  now, 
to  show  I  am  sticking  against  my  will  to  the 
end,  as  I  promised  and  that  I  will  leave  no 
matter  how  it  comes  out.  You  will  do  this  for 
me?" 

RALPH  SWEET 

Yes  Lowden,  you  have  struck  home  to  me. 
I  know  that  sounds  peculiar,  but  I  had  such 
pride  in  my  daughter.  God  knows  what  has 
become  of  her.  But  I  still  have  my  grand- 
children, and  I  refuse  to  treat  them  as  units. 
It's  not  right,  I  tell  you.     Why  I  have  seen 


OPEN    LOVE  107 


Wallow  and  May,  who  I  know  are  my  own  flesh 
and  blood,  and  yet  I  have  not  spoken. 

LOWDEIST 
Why? 

EALPH  SWEET 

I  don't  know.  It's  this  club.  It  gets  you 
like  a  drug.  Try  as  you  may  to  get  away  from 
it,  it  always  draws  you  back,  as  a  light  does  a 
moth.  None  of  us  have  the  strength  to  resist, 
and  I  hope  you  succeed. 

LOWDEN 

I  will.  I  have  stayed  only  because  the 
experiment  interested  me. 

KALPH  SWEET 

Yes,  I  think  that  is  what  has  held  us  all, 
the  idea  that  if  the  club  succeeded,  we  would  be 
famous  as  its  head. 

LOWDEN 

But  that  day  will  never  come.  Now  be  pre- 
pared for  another  shock.  I'm  going  to  marry 
Marie. 

EALPH  SWEET 
Oh,  Marie?  Lowden  you  are  joking. 


108  OPEN   LOVE 


LOWDEN 
No  I'm  not.  Oh,  I'm  not  getting  a  beautiful 

woman  I  know.  But  then  I  myself,  am  not  a 
prize.  A  man  never  thinks  that  he  might  not 
be  liked  by  the  ladies. 

EALPH  SWEET 

That's  true.  The  homeliest  man  is  always 
the  worst  flirt. 

LOWDEN 

But  Marie  and  I  have  lived  our  lives 
foolishly,  nuw  we  ishall  try  to  get  a  bit  that  was 
meant  for  us. 

RALPH  SWEET 

I  know,  as  a  Populator,  I  should  not  show 
feeling  to  another  member,  but  just  the  same, 
I  congratulate  you.  {they  shake  hands) 

LOWDEN  (looking  at  watch) 
It's  getting  late.  Time  we  should  get  news. 

RALPH  SWEET 

Anna  and  the  rest  will  rave  over  your 
resignation. 

LOWDEN 

That  doesn't  bother  me.  They  are  to  me 
like  an  ant  trying  to  tumble  Gibraltar.   The 


OPEN  LOVE  log 


world  is  a  bad  place,  and  lots  of  things  in  it 
are  wrong,  but  after  all  there's  a  lot  of  good 
left. 

EALPH  SWEET 
How  long  is  Wallow  going  to  speak? 

LOWDEN 

I  don't  know.  He  has  not  hinted  at  how 
long  he  was  going  to  talk,  and  I  have  not  asked 
him.  I  didn't  want  to  let  him  know  that  I  was 
not  in  strict  accord. 

EALPH  SWEET 

It  must  be  all  over  by  now.  Was  May  going 
to  speak? 

LOWDEK 

No  she  refused.  I  must  admire  her  pluck. 
She  saw  more  of  the  truth  than  any  of  us.  Ot 
cause  it  was  her  womanly  instinct,  but  still 
the  others  failed  to  understand.  (  Enter  Derrick 

Center) 

DERRICK 
It  is  all  over.    Wallow  has  spoken. 

LOWDEN 
Well,  what's  the  news? 


HO  OPEN  LOVE 


DERRICK 
You  must  not  ask  me.    You  must  wait  for 
our  president.    She  is  the  one  to  tell  you. 

RALPH  SWEET 

i 

But  you  can  tell  us  just  a  bit,  We're  both 
on  edge. 

DERRICK  (sitting  down) 

It  will  be  told  in  official  channels,  as  soon 
as  the  meeting  has  begun. 

LOWDEN 

That's  why  the  Germans  lost  the  war. 
There's  a  real  reason.  Too  strict  a  discipline, 
and  not  near  enough  to  the  emotion  of  life. 

RALPH  SWEET 
Perhaps  you  can  tell  us  this.  Did  Wallow 
speak? 

DERRICK 
Yes,  he  did. 

RALPH  SWEET 
Was  he  good  ? 

DERRICK 
You  know  Wallow's  merits  better  than  I  do. 


OPEN    LOVE  HI 


LOWDETST 

- 
Til  choke  it  out  of  you.    How  can  you  keep 

silent  when  you  have  news,  we  are  just  aching 
to  hear, 

DERRICK 

Duty  and  discipline,  our  rules,  have  been 
getting  altogether  too  easy.  We  are  all  viola- 
ting our  oath  to  the  club. 

LOWDEN 
Damn  the  club. 

DERRICK 

You  damn  the  sacred.  You  mu&t  apolo- 
gize. 

LOWDEN" 

Apologize  nothing.  I  said  damn  the  club 
and  its  people,  people  who  want  to  stifle  every 
emotion  that  means  life.  And  you  call  it 
duty  to  country. 

DERRICK 

You  forget  you  are  one  of  us. 


112  OPEN  LOVE 


LOWDEN 

That  is  what  I  would  like  to  forget. 

Enter  Anna,  Miriam,  Marie,  Mr.  Heinz  (a 
new  member)  They  all  take  their  places  at  the 
table.  When  they  are  seated  Anna  rises. 

ANNA 

The  committee  is  now  all  here.  You  are  all 
in  your  proper  places.  Now  I  will  read  the 
charter. 

LOWDEN 

Can't  you  omit  that?  I  have  heard  it  a 
million  times.  I  know  it  backwards. 

ANNA 

It  is  the  law  of  this  club.  Lowden  you  ,^re 
getting  unruly.     I  shall  read  it.  Silence. 

LOWDEN  {rising) 

I  propose  that  we  abolish  reading  the 
charter    before  every  meeting. 

KALPH  SWEET 

I  second  the  motion.  All  those  in  favor  say 
aye.  {All  say  aye  except  Derrick  and  Anna.) 
The  ayes  have  it. 


OPEN   LOVE  115 


ARISTA 
That  was  a  very  clever  move  Lowden,  but 
it  is  your  right, 

RALPH  SWEET 
And  now  for  the  news.  What  is  it? 

ANNA 
Failure  again. 

LOWDEN 
No. 

ANNA 
Worse  than  before. 

LOWDEN 
Thats  too  bad.    Was  Wallow  so  bad? 

MAHIE. 
Wallow  was  brilliant. 

ANNA 

Silence.  Wallow  was  all  right.  In  fact  he 
spoke  very  well,  just  as  we  planned.  At  times 
he  did  seem  a  little  false  to  me,  but  on  the 
whole  he  left  the  audience  impressed  and  sur- 
prised. 

RALPH  SWEET 
Then  why  call  it  failure? 


114  .     OPEN  LOVE 


MARIE. 
Well  you  see. . . . 

ANNA 
Silence.  Raise  your  hand  when  you  want 
to  speak,  (to  Lowden)  It  is  a  blow,  one  that 
we  did  not  count  on,  one  that  makes  our  years 
of  toil  and  struggle  useless  and  puts  u&  back 
to  where  we  started  from,  The  last  time  we 
did  not  impress.  This  time  they  were  impress- 
ed against  usi 

LOWDEN 

Tell  me.  Please  explain.    I  am  not  a  mind 
reader. 

MARIE. 
Can't  I  tell? 

ANNA 

No.  As  president,  it  is  my  duty  to  impart 
information  to  members. 

LOWDEN 

I  don't  care  who  tells  me,  but  I  want  to 
know.  (Enter  Wallow  —  center) 

WALLOW 
I'll  tell  you. 


OPEN  LOVE      gjj 


AOTSTA 

Wallow,  how  dare  you  come  in  at  a  meet- 
ing. Leave  at  once. 

WALLOW 
Meeting  or  no  meeting,  I'm  going  to  tel] 
him.   The  importance   of  these  meetings   are 
what  has  spoiled  my  youth  and  kept  me  from 
the  light. 

LOWDEN 

Let  him  speak,  it  is  his  right. 

ANNA 

Very  well.  It  is  an  honor,  Wallow,  you 
alone  have  received. 

WALLOW 

You  notice  my  chest  goes  in  with  pride. 
Here's  the  way  it  was.  Lowden,  my  friend, 
I  spoke  with  all  my  best  self,  as  I  had  it  pump 
ed  into  me  since  childhood.  I  twisted  words 
upon  words  until  I  felt  it  in  the  atmosphere 
that  I  had  impressed  them  and  they  were  mine. 
Then  I  told  our  doctrine,  how  it  would  help 
the  country,  appeal  to  the  little,  their  fathers 
had  left  them,  and  when  I  finished  I  was  ap- 
plauded. The  house  rang  with  cheers  and  my 
success  was  assured.  Then  suddenly  there  came 
a  silence.  The  cheers  died  away  like  thunder 


116  OPEN  LOVE 


rolling  over  the  hills.  Then  it  became  deadly 
like  the  air  before  a  big  storm.  A  young  girl 
dressed  in  white,  with  golden  curls,  was  stand- 
ing in  the  stage  box,  waving  to  the  crowd. 
What  a  picture.  She  seemed  to  me  like  life 
itself  as  you  see  it  represented  by  artists.  Her 
face  was  fair,  with  flashing  eyes,  that  riveted 
your  attention.  You  were  forced  to  look  in 
spite  of  yourself.  Then  she  spoke  in  a  musical 
tone  that  fell  on  the  ears  of  her  audience  like 
an  organ  in  the  distance  on  a  June  night.  She 
told  them  not  to  be  swayed  by  my  words ;  that 
they  were  empty.  She  ispoke  of  love  in  its 
purity,  of  mothe/r  love,  of  all  it  meant,  and 
then  of  war.  She  told  of  the  sufferings  our 
mad  fathers  brought  on  the  world  (and  on 
themselves,  of  thousands  slaughtered  in  a 
shameful  death,  and  of  millions  tortured  to 
live  a  life  of  handicap  and  pain.  She  stood 
there  speaking  so  softly  and  yet  so  clearly 
that  it  seemed  like  a  dream.  Then  she  turned 
toward  me,  and  I  caught  her  eyes.  They  were 
aglow.  I  couldn't  look  straight  at  them,  and 
yet  I  had  to,  for  they  followed  my  gaze.  She 
asked  me  to  answer  to  what  she  said.  I  opened 
my  mouth  to  speak  but  I  could  not,  for  I  was 
dazed  and  surprised  Those  <eyes  held  me 
silent.    Then  she  turned  away  and  spoke  again, 


OPEN  LOVE 


1-1-7- 


telling  the  people  that  truth  can  never  be  lied 
about  except  behind  her  back.  That  was  all 
The  crowd  cheered  and  cheered.  They  carried 
her  out  of  the  box,  and  we  were  left  alone. 

ANNA 

Who  was  she?  How  dared  she  speak? 

LOWDEN 

I'm   sorry    E  missed  her.   President,   Mr. 
Sweet  has  my  resignation. 

ANNA 
So  you  quit  because  of  this  failure? 

EALPH  SWEET 

No,  he  gave  it  to  me  before,  to  give  to  you 
no'  matter  whether  we  had  failure  or  success. 

DERRICK 
Well  what  are  we  going  to  do? 

MARIE. 

It's  a  joke  on  us  . 

ANNA 

Silence  unit. 

MARIE. 

- 

See  here  you.  you're  not  my  boss  any  more. 
Who  are  you?  I  am  leaving  your  silly  old  club. 


118  OPEN  LOVE 


ANNA 
Silence. 

MARIE. 
Silence  yourself.     Donft  silence  me.   Fm 
going  to  get  married. 

LOWDEN 

And  she'll  be  the  best  little  wife  for  me. 

ANNA 

We  don't  want  any  of  your  kind  anyway. 

WALLOW  (who  has  been  standing  by)    . 

Of  course  I  shall  leave  for  I  too  have  been 
convinced  by  that  girl.  That  is  why  I  could  not 
answer. 

ANNA 

But  you  belong  to  us.  The  Populators. 

WALLOW 
You  can't  sell  or  buy  me  remember  that. 

MARIE 

Don't  argue  with  her,  Wallow,  her  and  her 
club.     It's  a  bum  club  anyway. 

ANNA 

Go  out,  all  of  you.  See  how  the  outside 
world  with  their  ideals,  will  treat  you  when  you 
haven't  any  money. 


■ 


OPEN    LOVE  ]1() 


WALLOW 

We  shall  manage.  (Enter  Mag) 

MAY 

Hello   everybody,    (laughing)    Oh  what  a 
farce. 

ANNA 
You're  interrupting  a  meeting  of  this  club. 

MAY 

I'm  glad,  Wallow,  she  put  it  over  on  you. 
(Enter  Wilke) 

WILKE 
May  I  come  in? 

LOWDEN 
Wilke,  or  I'm  not  alive,     (rising  and  greet- 
ing him) 

WILKE 
It  is  I,  and  you  are  alive. 

LOWDEN 
You  never  let  us  know  your  whereabouts. 

EALP11  SWEET 
My  boy,  where  is  Mary?  Is  she  still  alive? 
(said  hesitatingly) 


120  OPEN  LOVE 


•  -ANNA 
Silence.  Attention.  ,  ; 

MARIE. 

... 

Nobody  is  listening  to  you. 

DERRICK 

What  are  our  people  coming  to.  They  are 
getting  more  civilized  every  day. 

WILKE 

Yes,  your  daughter  is  well. 

KALPH  SWEET 
Blessed  be  the  Lord  for  that. 

ANNA 
You're  interrupting  a  meeting  of  the  club. 

WILEE 
I'm  glad  it's  a  meeting*  I've  something  to 
say  to  you  if  I  may. 

LGWDEN 

Certainly,    (they  all  sit  except  Wilke  tvho 
speaks) 

(Lowden  asks  May  and  Wallow  to  leave 
the  room  and  wait  till  he  calls  them.) 


OPEN    LOVE  121 


WILKQE 

I  will  go  back  to  the  time  we  agreed  to 
furnish  you  with  two  children  for  $20,000.  Well, 
we  were  married  iand  used  part  of  the  money  to 
buy  a  farm.  We  were  very  happy.  Then  came 
the  first  child  a  boy.  We  were  to  turn  him  over 
to  you,  when  he  left  his  mother's  care.  But  a 
mother's  care  never  ends  till  death.  Mary  would 
not  part  with  him,  and1  I  too  hesitated.  We 
found  out  we  had  not  reckoned  with  love,  moth- 
er's love.  I  couldn't  send  back  the  money  as 
the  crops  had  been  bad,  so  I  hit  on  the  plan  to 
take  a  boy  and  a  girl  from  the  orphan  asylum 
and  send  them  to  you.  I  knew  they  would  be 
well  educated  and  taken  care  of. 

ANNA 
So  you  tricked  us  and  took  our  money. 

WILKE 

Yes,  I  did,  and  I'm  here  to-day  to  pay  it 
back.  You  people  are  all  wrong.  I  used  to  be 
one  of  you,  but  thank  Heaven  I'm  out. 

ANNA 

■ 

The  same  people,  the  same.  That  is  all. 
We  do  not  want  your  presence  any  longer. 


222  OPEN  LOVE 


-RALPH  SWEET  _„ 

We  do  want  you  to  be  present,  Wilke.  I'm 
resigning  to-day,  and  Lowden  and  Marie  are 
going  to  be  married. 

WILKE 

One  thing  more.  The  girl  who  spoke  and 
broke  up  your  meeting,  well  that  was  my 
daughter.  Here  are  the  checks.  $20,000  with 
my  best  wishes,  my  friends.  I  will  see  you 
later.  (Exit) 

ANNA 

If  we  had  had  her.  That  is  where  we  were 
cheated.    Can't  we  hold  him  in  some  way? 

RALPH  SWEET 

I  believe  I  have  enough  friends  here  on  the 
committee  to  do  anything  we  want.  I  propose 
that  we  pass  a  bill  thanking  Wilke  for  the  good 
and  giving  Wallow  and  his  sister  the  money. 

ANNA  ' 
Never. 

RALPH  SWEET 

All  in  favor  say  aye.  (They  all  say  aye); 
And  I.  suggest  that  Lowden  be  chosen  to  pre- 
sent it.  All  in  favor  say  aye.  (All  say  aye) 

1  .:■-■■..-- 


OPEN  LOVE  123 


LOWDEN 
The  check  please. 

ANNA 

I  might  have  expected!  it  from  you  dogs, 
go  out  in  that  world.  I  hope  it  turns  on  you 
and  stings  you  like  me  serpent  it  is. 

EALPH  SWEET 

Now  I  propose  that  we  pass  a  rule,  calling 
the  club  at  an  end.  We  have  enough  here  to 
do  so.  All  those  in  favor  of  disbanding  this  club, 
say  aye.  (All  say  aye)  Are  there  any  Nays? 
(Anna  and  Derrick  do  not  answer.)  No,  well 
good  luck  then.  (Enter  Wallow,  May  and 
Miriam.) 

LOWDEN 

Wallow,  I  'have  the  news  which  I  promised 
to  tell  you  and  your  sister  on  this  day,  but 
not  in  here. 

MAY 
What  does  all  this  mean? 

RALPH  SWEET 

The  club  is  gone.  The  Populatons  are  no 
more.  It  is  a  thing  of  the  past.  (They  all 
exit,  leaving  Anna  and  Derrick  alone.  After 
a  pause,  enters  a  messenger. 


• 


124  OPEN  LOVE 


MESSENGER 

Excuse  me,  but  there  are  200  loval  mem 
bens,  that  want  to  know  what  they  should  do 
with  their  membership  cards,  and  where  they 
should  go. 

ANNA 

Tell  them  to  tear  their  cards  up. 

MESSENGER 
And  where  shall  I  tell  them  to  go? 

ANNA 
Tell  them  to  go  to  hell. 


FINIS 


. 


/ 


'A 


UN 


VERSITY  OF  N.C.  AT  CHAPEL  HILL 
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hill 


,; 


